Crowds out for a weekend of fun

Thousands of people across Shropshire and Mid Wales basked in the glorious summer sunshine at a host of colourful events and celebrations over the weekend.

Carnivals, regattas, armed forces gatherings and a 1940s event all saw bumper attendances.

The sun was shining and the ice-cream dripping during Shifnal Carnival, which saw thousands of revellers pack out the town.

Despite fears over the carnival's future because of a lack of volunteers, its organisers today hailed the event a complete success with more than £1,100 raised for the coffers.

Angela Mullett, carnival chairwoman and treasurer, said: "The sun shone on us all day, it was fantastic. There has been a lot of positive feedback so far and everyone wants to see it continue."

The carnival's queen and princess were crowned by Lord Hamilton before a procession of nine floats through the streets of Shifnal.

Musical entertainment was provided by Cosford ATC Band, Lord Silkin Samba Band and the Newtown Marching Band.

Atmosphere

Meanwhile, residents in Wellington were determined not to be outdone and held their own summer carnival on Saturday with a World Cup theme.

The parade made its way through the town with attractions including marching bands, a dog display team, 42 stalls and a grand fun fair.

Brian Harpham, chairman of Wellington Carnival, said: "It went extremely well and the atmosphere was absolutely great. It was a family fun day. People really enjoyed themselves and that is what we set out to do."

Thousands of rowers from across the country took the water in Shropshire at the weekend during one of the county's biggest regattas.

Members of Ironbridge Rowing Club welcomed 550 crews from across the country for two days of competition at the World Heritage Site.

Bill Scott, chairman of Ironbridge Rowing Club, said: "The weather was absolutely fantastic and hats off to everyone who worked at the regatta and made it a success.

Teams

"The competitors were great. They really enjoyed it and complemented how well it was all run."

Nearly a thousand people turned out to watch the annual Dragon Boat Festival in aid of Severn Hospice at the Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury yesterday. The festival saw 30 teams from across the county race 40ft dragon boats on the River Severn, raising nearly £35,000 for the hospice.

Heats started at 10am with the fastest six teams going through to the grand final at 2pm. The final saw teams from Wrekin Removals, the Shropshire Star, the Dickin Arms, RMW Electrical Services, Shrewsbury Shopping Centre and BT Openreach compete for the title of Dragon Boat Champions 2010.

After a nail-biting final the James Pond team from the Dickin Arms in Wem won the race with an impressive time of 1.1053, narrowly beating Sparkies Afloat from RMW Electrical Services who crossed the line second just 0.5 of a second behind them.

Morton Hall School representatives, who turned up dressed as Alice in Wonderland characters, won the highly-coveted fancy dress competition.

Lucy Proctor, for the Severn Hospice, said "All the teams have raised a tremendous amount of money for the hospice and made a real effort with their fancy dress costumes. The result in the England game didn't dampen the spirits after the grand finale with the winning team celebrating long after the final whistle. The Dragon Boat Festival is one of our largest fundraising events of the year.

"I would like to say a big thank-you to all the companies that have helped us make the race such as success."

Meanwhile, service veterans young and old were at the RAF Museum in Cosford to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Highlight

Old friends met up again to talk about old times and the highlight of the day was a flypast by a Hurricane.

Market Drayton's Royal British Legion opened its doors to local people to help support the armed forces and their families.

The Armed Forces Day yesterday included a host of activities for the whole family including live music, a disco and a bouncy castle.

And Powys County Council chiefs gave their support to Britain's armed forces by flying the flag.

Chairman of the council, Councillor Garry Banks and chief executive Jeremy Patterson hoisted the flag at the County Hall in Llandrindod Wells. Flags will also be flown at Neuadd Brycheiniog in Brecon and Neuadd Maldwyn in Welshpool.

Meanwhile wartime food including Spam fritters were on the menu at a 1940s- themed weekend at Severn Valley Railway, with a similar event running this weekend.

The Tri-UK Shropshire Triathlon took place by the Mere yesterday as more than 450 competitors from across Britain battled against the heat to take part in the world championships qualifier.

Organisers of the event, which attracted thousands of spectators, look to hold it every year.

By Wayne Beese