EASTER activities in Newton Abbot got the town’s 2026 programme of free family fun off to a cracking start.

Hourly egg and spoon races in the town centre proved popular as did the free chocolate eggs being given away by Mayor Cllr Colin Parker, his wife Jean and colleagues.

Live music from the Hot House Combo and a larger-than-life walkabout character chef with her companion giant egg got the crowds bopping while others gathered at St Leonard’s Tower to watch the Raddon Hill Clog Morris Dancers and Vanhulle Dance Theatre.

The face-painter and balloon modeller both had to work flat out to meet demand as did Kate Green from Creative Newton Abbot with her craft table.

Owners of the Yellow Umbrella gift shop organised an egg hunt which also proved popular and even the weather held out for the most part, although forecast high winds forced the cancellation of a planned market.

‘It was a cracking start to our events programme,’ said organiser Natalie Hicks.

‘We were worried at first that without the market people wouldn’t turn up but boy, how wrong we were.

‘And although last year we had trouble giving away the free eggs, this year we had to send out for more supplies.

‘We’re so pleased that everyone seemed to be having a great time and we’re very grateful to all the people who made it possible.’

Mayor Cllr Colin Parker said: ‘What a brilliant way to launch our 2026 events programme which I know requires a huge effort from Natalie and her colleagues.

‘I’m nearing the end of my term of office before the new Mayor is appointed next month and it’s been an honour for me and my wife Jean to be here.

‘So many smiling faces, so many families enjoying some free entertainment, what’s not to like?

‘I’m just so pleased that Newton Abbot Town Council is able to spread a little happiness in these challenging times, I believe it’s a very wise investment of tax payers’ money.’