This year’s carnival at Pewsey Carnival was one of the best for years, a post-event meeting of the organisers was told by its new chairman Bernie Bradshaw.

Every year the carnival committee holds an ‘inquest’ to see how the event went and if any changes were needed and to discuss ideas for new events for next year.

At the review meeting held in the Bouverie Hall last week this year’s carnival fortnight was pronounced a resounding success.

Committee members and villagers who attended the meeting agreed there had been a buzzing atmosphere at this year’s procession and throughout all the events leading up to it.

Mr Bradshaw, who is in his first year as carnival committee chairman, said the different events complemented one another and escalated so that ‘the carnival seemed to get a life of its own’.

He added: “Each event built up to the procession itself. People talked about the good spirit.”

Nigel Lihou from the lighting gang that erects the carnival illuminations, said he had heard float entrants saying it was the best carnival they had ever been to, and that their dream was to win a prize at Pewsey Carnival.

Fellow committee member Annmarie Martin agreed: “Lots of people love Pewsey Carnival and say it’s one of the best.”

Alan Coxon, vice chairman of Pewsey Parish Council, said people had come from as far afield as Oxford and Southampton for this year’s procession.

“A lot of people were very impressed with the floats,” Coun Coxon said. “They were really pleased they’d made the effort. And they’re going to come next year and bring their friends.”

Vanessa Rutledge said float sponsorship had been a great help and Rod Fishlock praised the support of those that had provided trailers and those that give up their time to drive in the procession.

Lesley Bradshaw said there had been lot of enthusiastic newcomers to the procession who not only entertained but keenly collected on behalf of carnival and the charities and good causes it supports.

The chairman said there had been a lot of good feedback from all the events and that everyone loved the lights and river displays.

Mr Bradshaw praised the work of all involved and said that for weeks after carnival he had found himself continuously thanking people for their dedication and commitment.