Shrewsbury Carnival fun draws huge town crowd

Thousands of people shrugged off the wet weather to celebrate one of Shropshire’s biggest carnivals.

Up to 5,000 carnival-goers from across the region poured into Shrewsbury on Saturday to watch a parade of dozens of floats.

The town centre was closed to traffic for about two hours as the ‘Best of British’ parade made its way from Smithfield Road, through the town centre and back to the Quarry park.

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Carnival secretary Julia Wenlock said the event was a huge success and she was delighted with the number of people who turned out to support it.

The parade was made up of groups and organisations, including girl guides, cubs young farmers, and even Father Christmas.

The carnival raises money each year for charities. Last year up to £10,000 was raised which is donated to a host of community groups and charities.

Those attending this year’s event said it has been great to see so many people come together, despite the unsettled weather.

Retired Denise Williams, 67, from Shrewsbury, said the event was something she had attended annually for many years.

She said: “I’ve been coming here for several years on carnival day, and I thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere. It’s great to see so many people come together and enjoy the day. And there’s always so many incredible floats and walking groups that take part.”

Student Amy Morris, 17, from Whitchurch, said she had never seen the town so busy.

“Me and my friends often come shopping here on a Saturday and we knew it would be busier on carnival day but never expected it to this busy.

We enjoyed cheering on the floats as they passed by and we couldn’t believe it when we saw Father Christmas pass through on what looked like his sleigh, I bet it made a lot of younger children very happy.”

Dan Williams, 35, a factory worker from Shrewsbury, said: “It was great to see so many floats taking part. I bought along my two sons and they really enjoyed it. Long may it continue.”

Les Davies, 62, who is a retired farmer from Newtown, said he had come along to shop without realising it was the carnival.

He said: “It was very unexpected for me to be caught amongst all the crowds but I did watch the parade through the town and think the organisers have done a wonderful job in making it so appealing for people. It must take a lot of effort and time for the people involved with the organisation of it, so they must be congratulated for all their hard work.”

Marie Evans, 35, a care worker from Oswestry, said: “No-one seemed to mind about the rain, but luckily it was only light showers when the floats came through the town so people didn’t get put off by it.”

Groups who had floats in the town included Riversway Elim Church, Measbrook Carehome, the Maternity Ward at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shawbury YFC, and Revival Nightclub. This year the carnival committee also set up a youth committee who entered a float.

Graham Puttock, chairman of Shrewsbury carnival, said: “This year’s carnival was my last as chairman. I have enjoyed getting to know so many people through carnival and being part of such a great event, whilst I’m standing down as chairman I will remain part of the team who put on Shrewsbury’s largest free one day event.

“We are on the lookout for people to come and join our committee. A vote of thanks must go to the various hauliers who allow their vehicles to be used.”