NEWTON Abbot Carnival’s penultimate event is just days away: carnival day will see crowds gather at Courtenay Park, Newton Abbot, on Saturday, July 9.

Kicking off at 12pm, the event will have all manner activities on offer: a bouncy castle, trade stalls, live music, food, refreshments and a wheelbarrow race.

The Great Rotary Wheelbarrow Race, whichwill take place at 2pm, will see teams raise money for: Rowcroft Hospice; Meadowside; Teign Titan Netball Club; Newton Abbot Hospital and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.

Eight team members will race around the 230 metre course all the while avoiding water pistol fire and completing a couple of games – the winning team will be the one that completes the most laps in 60 minutes.

The carnival procession will depart Courtney Park at 6pm and head toward Highweek Way.

Earlier this week on Monday, July 4, Newton Abbot Carnival held its annual carnival quiz night at the Richard Hopkins which saw 24 teams test their knowledge in five categories: television, drinks, pop music of the 60s and 70s, general knowledge and Devon.

First prize was £40, second prize was four bottles of wine and third prize was £20 with each prize being presented by Mayor Cllr Carol Bunday.

The evening also featured an auction for a perfume selection, which was donated by Austins, and a prize draw with donations from business in the town.

Newton Abbot crowned its new carnival queen in a traditional ceremony, which took place on Saturday, June 25, at St Leonard’s clock tower.

The ceremony saw Miss Elysia East, who was surrounded by her attendants: Carla East, Marcus East, Katie Last and Daniel Last, take the reigns from previous incumbent Miss Emily Last who had been queen since 2019.