THE streets of Wiveliscombe thronged with people on Sunday when the annual street market and carnival came to town.

The market, now in its eighth year, attracts visitors from far afield and trade was brisk all day with some traders selling out of everything they had.

Plenty was on offer for children, including entertainment from Chalky and his Gang, a face painter and a pony from the Exmoor Mousie Pony Trust.

Jubilee Gardens, the food and entertainment hub of the market, was packed with people enjoying Fodo Higginson’s seven-hour programme of music, including Johnny Mars, The Hot Pink Flowers, the High Parkers and the Wiveliscombe Choir.

The highlight of the day was the 10 Parishes Wheelbarrow Carnival, masterminded by Mark Blaker and friends.

This year’s theme, Magic and Mystery, produced entries like Wifela’s Tomb, complete with spooky tombs and ghosts.

Others included a huge Green Man, flying dragons and white rabbits jumping out of a top hat.

Taunton Deane Mayor Dave Durdan and his wife were on hand to decide who would take first place.

A spokesperson for organisers the Wiveliscombe Area Partnership said: “Local charities benefited from visitors’ generosity and the Community Centre, Wiveliscombe Community Responders, Wiveliscombe Rotary Club, Motor Neurone Disease Society and Wivey Link have gained funds and interest in the work they do which the street market enables.

“The Wiveliscombe Area Partnership, which organises this great day in Wivey’s calendar, is delighted to show locals and visitors what a vibrant and caring community Wivey is.

“With the sun shining all day and happy faces enjoying our town, was this the best yet?”

Taunton MP Jeremy Browne also visited the street fair.

He said: “Wiveliscombe Street Fair has a distinctive atmosphere and it is also very popular.

This year the beautiful late summer weather added to the attraction for thousands of visitors.

“I enjoyed the diverse range of stalls including Wiveliscombe community groups and well-known local businesses like Cotleigh Brewery and Exmoor Ales.”