Ottery St Mary Carnival lit up the streets of Ottery St Mary on the 29^th of September. The beginning of the annual event was marked by the arrival of the ceremonious tar barrel. The Tar Barrel itself stands for the beginning of the Tar Barrel season.

From then on the carnival commenced with a procession of bright colours and loud music. Entrants included the various talented majorette troops of the county and the ever comedic Nunsford Nutters – this year taking on a Bird Is The Word inspired theme. And, for her second year in a row, 16 year old Jadine Dyer took on the role of Ottery St Mary's Carnival Queen, leading an “Under The Sea” themed float.

“A thoroughly enjoyable night!” Katie Phipps, mother of two, told P.O.D “My children loved the floats, especially the one with the cavemen! They're already looking forward to next year's carnival!” Katie's children weren't the only ones pleased by the evening's events. Small children sitting on shoulders waved excitedly all evening with their light up swords as the variety of floats came past.

But the Ottery St Mary carnival also marks the beginning of the Tar Barrel season, taking place one week before the Tar Barrels themselves. For the townsfolk, this evening not only entertains and puts a smile on people's faces, it also holds a deeper meaning! It means the annual Tar Barrels are drawing ever closer – and most can't wait. Seventeen year old Charlotte says: “I'm so excited about Tar Barrels, it's a fantastic unique experience and I swear we look forward to it more than Christmas!”

The townsfolk flooded the streets with thorough enjoyment to witness the creativity of Devon. The Carnival of 2011 was no doubt a huge success and the townsfolk will now be awaiting 2012's carnival to see whether it can be topped.