IT’S the highlight of the community calendar and this year it was bigger and better than ever.

Llanidloes Carnival brought the town to a standstill as fancy dress-goers and floats paraded in front of hundreds of people lining the streets to Victoria Park.

“It’s about making memories,” outgoing carnival chairperson Kelly Hawkins told the County Times.

“The community really looks forward to it every year. Everyone appreciated it. It’s a testament to all the hard work that’s been put in.”

The chairperson praised the Carnival Queen Georgia Phillips, 14, for her role as Llanidloes royalty.

“She was brilliant and really put a lot into it. Georgia loved it and said that she was so proud. All the attendants took it all in their stride.”

It was the final carnival led by Kelly Hawkins as chairperson and Nicola Hamer as vice chair who have decided to step down for the time being.

The former chairperson said she was proud to lead a “strong” committee.

Floats and fancy dress-goers were judged at Kennel Field before the Newtown Silver Band led the parade towards Victoria Park. The winners were:

Best lorries – 1st ‘Kapow’, Heather Pugh and gang; 2nd ‘School of Rock’, Llanidloes Girls Football Club; 3rd ‘Under the Sea’, Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon.

Best decorated vehicles – 1st ‘Deep Sea Divers’, St John’s Badgers; 2nd ‘Cheer and Dance Studio’, Dragonettes; 3rd ‘Trotters Trading’, John Dunkley and family; joint 3rd ‘Pugh’s Pirates’, Seas the Day.

Best adult and family group – 1st ‘Postman Pat’, Nick Davies and family; 2nd ‘Spice Girls’, Lynne Evans and gang; 3rd ‘Princesses Parade’, Bethany Davies; joint 3rd ‘Pirates’, Gilman family.

Best walking groups – 1st ‘Gangster Grannies’, Jimbo and family; 2nd ‘Toy Box’, Ahraon and Vicky; 3rd ‘Prehistoric’, Rhys Jones and Lee Morris; joint 3rd ‘Cagney and Lacey’, Dawn and Andrew.

Best children – 1st ‘Tank’, Jaden Morris; 2nd ‘Gatland Air Rugby World Cup’, Iestyn; 3rd ‘Blue Bubbly Man’, Oliver Davies; joint 3rd ‘Fearsome Warrior’, Alfie.