Crowds lined the High Street for the carnival parade

Newport’s annual carnival was the most successful in the 36-year history of the event, organisers said today.

About 5,000 people turned out to enjoy the extravaganza including the colourful procession of 13 floats which travelled through the town on Saturday.

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People of all ages lined the streets before enjoying hours of entertainment in Shuker Field.

Lorraine Pilgrim, treasurer of the carnival committee, said they had exceeded last year’s takings by hundreds of pounds, all of which will be put towards funding next year’s event.

Mrs Pilgrim said: “It was a great day – really good.

“The fantastic weather lasted for the whole day and we took £700 more on the gate than last year.

“The carnival is totally self-funded so we have got £5,700 from the gate on Saturday for next year’s event.”

Mrs Pilgrim said the six members of the committee were overwhelmed with the success.

“There was about 5,000 people on the field – it was really busy.

“The talent competition was brilliant. It was the first time we had done it but it was so successful we are going to do it again next year,” she said. “I would say it was probably our most successful carnival yet.”

Newport band The Making scooped the winning title in the Newport’s Got Talent competition after wooing judges with their performance.

The packed programme also included performances from Newport Gym Club, Dance Connexions and Telford Stage School.

Talented dogs from Benefit Dogs also performed a show in their own arena.

Mrs Pilgrim thanked everyone who volunteered to help on the day and everyone who lined the streets to support the procession.

Meanwhile, daredevils abseiled from St Nicholas Church as part of the carnival organised by the First Edgmond Scout Group.

By Kirsty Smallman