A PACKED week of events in the town culminates in the Rhayader Carnival day itself this Saturday, July 20.

Floats and walking entries should assemble at the Smithfield at 12.30 for judging at 1pm, and the grand procession around the town.

Pride of place will go to the new Carnival Queen 16-year-old Ellie Hughes who was an attendant to last year’s Queen Eilir Thomas.

Ellie, of Glangwy, Cwmdauddwr, is a student at the Llandrindod Wells campus of Ysgol Calon Cymru, a member of Rhayader Young Farmers Club and plays hockey for Radnor Ladies.

Her attendants will be Kaitlyn Rees, Maggie Davies, Dilys Roberts and Fran Corson, with Mared Carrod and Livvy Reeve as the flower girls and Harry Gundy as page boy.

Ellie will be crowned by the Mayoress Alys Stuart as the first event at the carnival field at The Groe, Cwmdauddwr, and later on Ellie will present the prizes in the various competition categories.

MC Michael Bennett will compere the afternoon’s events which will include the Wye Valley Axemen, and there will also be children’s attractions and stalls.

The town’s carnival week runs for nine days of events, starting last Saturday and including the Vintage Show on Sunday, and the Gwestedyn Hill Races on Tuesday.

Yesterday (Thursday), saw the Open Evening at Rhayader Fire Station with the Fire Service ‘It’s A Knock Out’ competition for teams of four. Registration was from 5.30pm for children of primary school age over eight; and from 6.30pm for high school age children and adults.

There is also the Hilly Time Trial Series with road cycling 17 miles around the Elan Valley Dams. Registration is at 6.30pm with more information from Clive Powell Bikes on 01597 811343.

Thursday also has a Teddy Bears Picnic for the under fives at the Cricket Pitch/Football Pitch at Bryntirion earlier in the day so bring your Teddy and a picnic for fun and games; and from 7.30pm there is Bingo at the Leisure Centre Wye Lounge.

Festivities continue tonight (Friday, July 19), with the Lost ARC committee organising live music, entertainment, a barbecue and bar at the ARC.

‘The Seaside Comes to Rhayader’ is the title of this year’s carnival exhibition at St Clement’s Church; and St Bride’s Church, Cwmdauddwr, will also be open this Saturday between 10am and 4pm with a Family Open Day providing all past records of births, weddings, and burials.

Carnival events end on Sunday, July 21, with Knockout Cricket on The Groe, Cwmdauddwr.