We only made a few changes last year, mainly to keep the assembly and judging times as short as possible.  By and large they seemed successful, so we plan to stick with the same this year:

• The timings are all aimed so that the procession enters Whitchurch Road at 6.30 pm.  To achieve this all entrants wishing to be judged must be assembled by 5 pm, judging will start at 5.15 pm and will complete such that the front of the procession can start to move from the top of Down Road at 6.10 pm. Remember, you need to be assembled for the start of the judging, but not much earlier.  
• Judging will continue as a key element of the procession and will be done in Down Road.  Like last year, prize money will not be awarded to the winners but we will continue to make a donation to all participants in recognition of their support.  Trade entries will be asked to nominate a local charity. Trophies and certificates will be presented to the class winners, and like last year, we intend to give all entries a certificate in recognition of their participation, and our appreciation of their efforts.  Feedback from previous years has included comment that the smaller groups feel unable to compete with the larger entrants such as the schools,  to address this last year we decided that we should have a separate category for schools, and amend the numbers slightly in the others.  This seems to have been favourably received, so we intend to keep the categories the same this year, ie:
• Schools - Primary Schools or above
• Decorated Float or Group of Vehicles
• Walking Class 1 - up to 10 people
• Walking Class 2 - 11 people or more 
• Walking Class 3 (any number with accompanying decorated vehicle)
• Trade

Music is always a key element of the procession and we always encourage as many of you as possible to include this, and many do.  Later, in your entrants form, we will be asking that you let us know if music is part of your entry, this will help us when we assemble the running order of the procession.  Please make it as lively and loud as possible.

We very much appreciate your support and if you want any help or support please contact us.  These email addresses will do (jdawson526@btinternet.com,jeff.lea@live.co.uk, and tonyrose@gmail.com).  In addition Tavistock Scrapstore have kindly offered to provide material support to entrants, so please contact them directly (tavyscrapstore@gmail.com) if this would be of help.  We are very much looking forward to this year's Carnival, the enthusiasm and look of joy on peoples faces makes it all worthwhile. Please encourage as many people as possible to take part and attend, by word of mouth, social media etc.  The more the merrier!

As you may be aware this year  Ecofest is being held in the meadows during the day, we very much see this as a positive event and in-line with our aspirations to enhance the day and bring as many people into Tavistock as possible.  We are working hard with some other groups to provide some pre and post carnival entertainment, all with the intention of making the day even better.  We will keep you informed as these ideas firm up.

Here's hoping for a sunny evening this year.