HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Ilminster on October 4, 2014, for what proved to be one of the most eventful editions of the event.

The carnival left White Lackington Hill at around 7.15pm but its start was delayed by vehicles blocking part of the route.

There was also a small gas leak but the issues “could not stop a fabulous night of first-class entertainment”.

Around £2,500 were raised which went to charities in the Ilminster area later in the year.

Chard & Ilminster News: K9 CC with their entry Spooks in 2014K9 CC with their entry Spooks in 2014 (Image: Ilminster Carnival)
Chard & Ilminster News: CLUB 2000’s entry El Nino in 2014CLUB 2000’s entry El Nino in 2014 (Image: Ilminster Carnival)

A carnival committee spokesperson said: “It was an eventful evening with a suspected gas leak in one part of the town which required attendance by the utility company.

“Through the planning and control of the organisers and emergency services in attendance, this was effectively dealt with, causing no disruption to the carnival procession.

“At the end of the carnival, police praised the organisers for effectively dealing with the various situations they were faced with on the evening.”

Back then, the Chard and Ilminster News reported: “The carnival was delayed for an hour after two vehicles parked up close to the starting point were blocking part of the route.

“The News understands that the vehicles, thought to be a Peugeot and a Royal Mail Post Office van, had to be towed away and the carnival, which was supposed to leave White Lackington Hill at 7.15pm did not reach Market Square until 8.30pm.”

The procession then moved down East Street through the centre of Ilminster, along Silver Street and West Street.

The final part of the procession saw floats drive down Station Road where they finished at the King Road tyres roundabout.

Chard & Ilminster News: Dead Men Tell No Tales with Eclipse CC, 2014Dead Men Tell No Tales with Eclipse CC, 2014 (Image: Ilminster Carnival)

Ilminster’s Gemini CC was the overall winner on the night, winning the Challenge Cup and best local float for their Transformers entry, while fellow home favourites Harlequin CC scooped the Feature Class in their trophy haul.

Harlequin also won the best costume on a float, best build-up and the spirit of carnival titles.

Gemini CC also claimed the best music on a local float, best tableau pose and the tableau 1 class titles.

The photos in this article are from the 2014 edition of the carnival. All photos from Ilminster Carnival.

This year’s carnival will take place on Saturday, October 1.