More than 12,000 people soaked up the carnival atmosphere of the April Fool’s Day theme at CapelFest on Sunday.

The main stage was alive with entertainment as Deb ‘Spoons’ Perry wowed the crowed with her spoon playing skills and headline act Calypso Crew pumped out mardi-gras style music.

Local performers, the Capel Primary School Choir and Drumming, Louise Pierre School of Singing and Sing Australia Colourful were crowd favourites, while Living Statues amazed on lookers and Jonathan De Hadleigh and Captain Quirk roamed the festival delighting children and adults.

For the first time, a major Scooter, Skate and BMX competition was held by Freestyle Now at the adjoining Skate Park, attracting riders from throughout the South West.

Art lovers flocked to the Artistic Flair Art Exhibition, which had a record crowd at the opening on Saturday night, browsing through more than 100 entries.

Recycling art workshops with Childside Primary School teacher Rachel Wyder were a huge hit and nearby, festival goers gathered around amazing Scitech demonstrations, tried their hand at the spoon playing workshops or tested their skills in the Circus Challenge tent.

Festival co-ordinator Monique Warnock said the festival was a great success.

“There was a lot to see and do for all ages and it was great to see locals and visitors alike enjoying everything the festival had to offer,” Ms Warnock said.

“This year we had a record number of stallholders, many from the local area, which really showcased the fantastic produce of Capel and the South West region.”