THE Chopper Club Wales motorbikes, Huey, the police horse and Samba Agogo accompanied Carnival Queen Stephanie Seidman and her attendants on the Presteigne Carnival parade through the streets last Saturday.

The winner of the floats was the S.H.Ed Sign Language Home Education Group and congratulations were expressed to all the winners and all who took part, with the many wonderful floats and fancy dress competitors.

The town was decorated with bunting put up by the fire brigade, and many of the shop windows were decorated for the Decorated Window Competition, with SPAR, Victoria Fish Bar and Carini’s Butchers taking, first, second, and third places respectively.

Enjoying the sunshine, the parade followed a new route from the Memorial Hall to Went’s Meadow with its stunning new Community Barn, built by local volunteers and funded from local individuals and organisations, including the carnival and grants.

The carnival was opened by Colin Kirkby, one of the main driving forces behind the barn construction and fund raising, and compered by Trevor Owens, Presteigne and Norton’s current Mayor.

The fun packed day’s programme included Panic Circus and the Sunshine Bus and The Galloping Acrobats, both of which were a huge success with the many children on the field. The crowd enjoyed performances from the town’s Jessica Fallon’s School of Dance and Lee Taylor Karate, with The Welsh Axemen, Presteigne Fire Brigade and a new Tug of War competition to watch. The fun dog show arranged by Arrow Field Vets and the scurry driving were a huge favourite to watch.

Many community groups had stalls on the field, and also the carnival games tent, run by carnival volunteers, was a big success. The food was provided by local vendors, including the Carnival Cafe run by Chatterbrook WI. There was music galore with Knighton Town Silver Band, Pearl Lake Ukuele Band, Presteigne Pop Choir and the Shed Heads a band formed from John Beddoes School students.

Chair Debbie Davies said: “The committee would like to thank everyone involved in making this another fabulous event for the town and surrounding area, but would especially like to thank the many local organisations, businesses and individuals who either sponsored or donated raffle prizes, with the biggest thanks going to the many volunteers who turned up over the four days it took to put the carnival on. You really are stars and we couldn’t do it without you.

“The Barn hosted the horticultural, floral, cooker and crafts classes during the day and there was a wonderful selection of entrants in the classes this year, and a big congratulations to all who took part, especially the winners, and also a big thank you to judges and stewards.

“The event continued into the evening, with the Community Barn bouncing to a variety of different bands. All music was arranged by Rich Gooderson of Good Times Entertainment, Presteigne, with the sensational Knighton-based Bare Backs rocking the end of the evening.”