The streets of Glastonbury, famed for their annual splash of carnival colours, are today tinged with a touch of sadness following the death of Ian 'Hotrod' Underwood, at the age of 87.

Known affectionately to many as 'Hottie', Underwood was a pivotal figure in the preservation and success of the Glastonbury Chilkwell Guy Fawkes Carnival – an event that he saved from cancellation in 1963 and that will, poignantly, be taking place later this month.

Underwood's journey with the carnival began when he was demobilised in 1960 and, alongside Alf Fouracres and others, he helped form the King William Carnival Club.

His love for the event only grew from there, leading to his instrumental act in 1963 when the Glastonbury Committee was struggling financially. Underwood, with a jesting spirit, dressed as the Carnival Queen and, alongside various clubs and supporters, succeeded in collecting £100 – a modest sum that nevertheless secured the carnival's future.

His dedication to carnival arts extended beyond Glastonbury, with his active involvement in the Gremlins Carnival Club at Bridgwater, contributing to cart construction annually.

The club said: "One of our biggest supporters right up to recent times, and one of our longest appointed Vice Presidents. Thank you for everything Mr Ian Underwood."

But it wasn't just the carnival circuit where 'Hottie' was a renowned figure; his younger years revving through the local speedway and motorbike scenes earned him his nickname, 'Hot Rod'.

Underwood's commitment to the carnival and to fundraising for charities remained unwavering over the years. His efforts were not solely for the spectacle of the procession but also for the good of the community.

He set ambitious fundraising targets, like the £5,000 sponsored haircut for St Margaret's Hospice in memory of his mother and close friend, Kay Bendall.

The carnival has lost one of its most dedicated members, and Glastonbury has lost a man who embodied the spirit of the town's renowned festivities.

Funeral service will be held at The Mission Church, Street on Monday 27th November 2023 at 11.00 am followed by a private cremation at Taunton Crematorium. Bright colours or carnival attire may be worn, strictly no black dress please.

Family and friends are directing donations in his memory to the Glastonbury Chilkwell Guy Fawkes Carnival Committee, ensuring that Underwood's legacy continues to support the event he held dear.

Cheques payable to the charity can also be forwarded to M Franks & Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors, Bath Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater, TA7 9QT. Telephone 01458 210627.

Glastonbury's carnival lights will shine a little dimmer this year, but the procession will carry on, a testament to Underwood's enduring impact.

As the town prepares to celebrate this year's carnival, it will undoubtedly serve as a vibrant tribute to a man who dedicated his life to ensuring that the show would go on.