Carnival fun in Market Drayton

Thousands of people turned out for a weekend of fun in Market Drayton.

The Market Drayton Carnival and Music Festival provided a wealth of fun and entertainment for all the family to enjoy in glorious sunshine. And organisers today said that they were delighted at how well the two-day event, which was held on Saturday and yesterday, had gone, as they vowed it had been even more successful than they had hoped.

They said thousands turned out to enjoy a fun afternoon of entertainment at the Grove School in the town yesterday, with hundreds lining the streets for an earlier carnival procession based around the theme of Around the World.

Lee Ridgway, chairman of Market Drayton Carnival Committee, praised everyone involved with the event for its success.

He said: "The whole weekend has gone fantastically well. I couldn't have asked for better.

"I'm absolutely delighted at the feedback we're getting. Everyone has enjoyed the weekend again and we've managed to exceed people's expectations and improved on what we offered last year.

"We will be doing it again next year."

For the first time ever, the event was spread over two days with a host of activities to keep residents of all ages entertained.

Organisers said they wanted to push the boat out for this year's carnival after the event's future looked uncertain when it was cancelled in 2009.

It returned last year, and the future looks bright for the event, which was this year relaunched as Market Drayton Carnival and Music Festival, featuring a string of live gigs by local bands at venues in the town all weekend.

Saturday's entertainment featured a pavement art competition in the town centre, a face painter, and a guess how many balloons are in the car competition.

Live music proved eclectic, taking in rock, pop and classical music to provide something to suit a variety of tastes.

Yesterday a procession of seven floats made its way around the town, going from Adderley Road Industrial Estate to the Grove School, where a family fun day was held.

Organisers said other highlights yesterday included The Royal Navy Raiders Parachute Display Team, a chocolate eating competition and a fire eater, in addition to more live music.

By John Kirk