MEMBERS of a Chard-based Carnival club are planning to put on their best-ever performance on Saturday (October 10, 2015) at their home procession – seven days after suffering huge disappointment at Ilminster.

The ever-improving Eclipse CC were just about to set-off on the Ilminster Carnival route last Saturday (October 3, 2015) evening when disaster struck and technical problems meant they never really got going and had to withdraw with their entry Madagascar Europe’s Most Wanted.

Jason Baker, of Eclipse CC, said: “We had technical issues just after we crossed the start line and for safety reasons we decided best to pull out and make sure everything was alright and allow the Carnival to keep flowing.

“It was very disappointing, but these things happen unfortunately. We really wanted to put on a good show in Ilminster.”

But now club members are working round the clock to ensure that there are no similar problems this Saturday when Eclipse will look to wow their home turf supporters.

“We will be looking to put on a fantastic performance at Chard to make up for what happened at Ilminster,” added Jason.

A team of Harley Davidson motorcyclists will kick the parade off at around 7pm on Saturday and it will then be followed shortly afterwards with the rest of the colourful cavalcade.

The route takes the procession from Tapstone Road up through East Street into Old Town, Duck Lane and along Crowshute Link before going down High Street and Fore Street and then returning to East Street and dispersing back at Tapstone Road.

Chard Carnival Committee chairman Andy Chant said he was looking forward to an amazing night.

“We’re ready and raring to go,” he said. “There’s all the last-minute stuff to sort out, but I’m looking forward to a fantastic Carnival and obviously keeping my fingers-crossed for dry weather.”

Andy added that he hoped people would dig deep into their pockets and help donate their spare change to swell the overall collection.

All money raised goes back into Carnival funds and is donated to local groups and organisations.

Any group or organisation wishing to be considered for a donation should write to Andy via his email andrew.chant672@btinernet.com .

Recipients from last year’s Carnival collection will be considered again, but only after new applicants.

PHOTO: Eclipse CC and their entry – Madagascar Europe’s Most Wanted.