Crowds out in the June heat for Shrewsbury Carnival

The Shrewsbury carnival also saw runners braving the June heat to take part in the road races which run alongside the main events – but things were a little cooler for the paddlers who also took part in the annual coracle race down the River Severn.

The carnival in Shrewsbury has been a regular fixture in the town's calendar for decades and owes much of its success to the eight-strong committee, boosted by volunteers from organisations including air cadets. Last year it raised more than £10,000 for local charities and the committee hopes that figure will be matched this year.

One of the committee members, Chris Pritchard, said the fun in The Quarry began during the morning leading to the eagerly awaited procession. "We had 10 large floats and 10 walking groups who took part in the procession," he said. "The reception they had was amazing. The whole route through the town was lined two or three deep."

Shrewsbury's carnival procession was based on the theme, Carnival Goes Pop.

The procession travelled from The Quarry on to Smithfield Road via Victoria Quay, before turning right on to Castle Street, in to the town centre and around the one-way system to Hugh Street when it went along Shoplatch to Bellstone and Bridge Street before re-entering The Quarry.

The float procession was judged by Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski who took great delight in climbing on and off the floats to chat to all those taking part.

The Carnival Goes Pop theme saw music of all generations, from the flapper girls of the 1920s to the Beatles and current stars.

The Shrewsbury LGBT group won both the large float and the walking group awards with their colourful array of pop stars from across the decades.

Prior to the the carnival parade the streets of Shrewsbury hosted a road race. Hundreds of runners braved one of the hottest days of the year to take part in the Shrewsbury Carnival Road Race, which was run in conjunction with the Keith Ivison Memorial Race.

Organised by Ron Morgan and Christine Ivison, in conjunction with the Shropshire Shufflers, the race is in memory of Christine's husband Keith, one of the Shufflers' founder members, raising money for Severn Hospice and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital neonatal unit.

Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Beverley Baker, who joined the parade in an open topped car said: "The carnival is a great day which brings everyone together to have fun and raise funds for many local charities. What a wonderful day."

This year arena attractions included the Hawkeye Falconry Display Tea, 2 Step dance Academy, STFC Cheerleaders, Viv Kelly Dancers, 1119 (Shrewsbury) Squadron ATC, 28(Shawbury) Squadron ATC, a helicopter from RAF Shawbury, a fun fair, charity stalls, Zumba, trade stalls and a dog show.

And the crowds could also enjoy the coracle racing on the River Severn organised by the Pengwern Boat Club.

Money raised by the carnival goes to local charities.