TWO giants of Chard Carnival walked away with six prizes each as persistent rain came down on an otherwise flawless event.

Gemini Carnival Club’s tableaux entry Butterfly Ball saw them handed half a dozen prizes, including best lighting on cart, best costume on float, best make up and most colourful.

The club’s Simon Druce also won best pose, effectively taking their tally to seven.

Meanwhile, Harlequin’s Ironworks was the last cart to run in the procession, and scooped up best routine, best music in procession, Mayor’s choice and the Chard and Ilminster Plate for public choice.

Nunsford Nutters CC left the crowd laughing with their entry Whats Cooking? walking away with the top comic prize and chairman’s choice.

The youth winner was Juniors Reloaded CC with Mini Heroes For Hire, the top majorette group was handed to Ilminster, and Zem CC’s Spirited saw them take home top prize in the open class, best cart from Chard, best local build and spirit of carnival.

Kai Newberry won best single walker juvenile, and shared carnival royalty choice with One Plus One CC’s Dunk Yer Nuts.

Spirit CC’s Crafty sealed best single walker, Sister Act CC’s Blaze vs Glacier was awarded top walking pair, while Wilfs CC’s Jungle Rock got the nod in group walking.

The entry Masquerade by Ruby-Jo Pas was awarded best non-federation youth and best youth walker from Chard, the best adult walker from Chard was Tizzy CC, and A&A Cuthbert won walking open.

Best non federation entry was Wind in the Willows by Bubbles CC, Logan Charles got best costume on foot for his Indian Spirit, and collectors prizes were given to Lorna Hammond and TAPS.

The number one trade entry was judged as Wookey Hole, and Mary Anne Adams was the winner of best charity entry.

Jason Baker, the chairman of Chard Carnival, said: “The evening carnival went really well.

“It was a bit wet so we didn’t get as many people as we have had before.

“The selling of the carnival merchandise was really good, the toys went really well and we sold much more than in the past.”

Despite the weather ensuring a decreased attendance the carnival still managed to raise more than £3,000, which will be split between the running of the event and gifts to local community groups.