Rhayader carnival was 'truly outstanding' with 35 floats and wonderful walking entries

Hundreds of people filled the streets of Rhayader to watch one of the town's biggest and best carnivals.

On the 'Mrs P to be' float was Kayleigh Jones who is due to marry Matt Powell in September. The pair are from Penybont and Kayleigh's hens were all dressed as pigs as Matt is a pig farmer, while Kayleigh was dressed as Matt was on their first date. Andy Compton | Andy Compton

placeholder image — On the 'Mrs P to be' float was Kayleigh Jones who is due to marry Matt Powell in September. The pair are from Penybont and Kayleigh's hens were all dressed as pigs as Matt is a pig farmer, while Kayleigh was dressed as Matt was on their first date. Andy Compton | Andy Compton

There were about 35 colourful and imaginative floats with scores of brilliant walking entries too with everyone from Ferrero Rocher, The Traitors, Jurassic Park, Sumo wrestlers and minions.

Bronwen Davies and Kayleigh Jones dressed as her husband to be Matt Powell on the 'Mrs P to Be' float. | Andy Compton

A Mexican Marachia band, a Grand National float, Toy Story, an Aussie themed float and festival entries.

Rockin the Mexican look were mariachi band Men's Mental Health Matters, a group of friends from Rhayader who meet once a month in the town. | Andy Compton.

Organisers said the carnival exceeded all expectations and has set an exceptionally high standard, which will take some beating.

The Griffiths and Brown family group became the Traitors, with traitors, faithfuls, Claudia Winkleman and a horse called Alan Carr. | Andy Compton.

The parade was led by Captain Carnival, Carnival Chairman and Rhayader Town Mayor Councillor James Stuart and Newtown Silver Band.

Rhayader Carnival Amusements Grab a Prize were Lily Stuart, four and Mali Cronin, four with two members of Rhayader Carnival Committee. | Andy Compton

Also in attendance were the outgoing Rhayader Carnival Queen Libby, as well as queens and king from Llanidloes, Newtown, Llandrindod Wells and Newbridge-on-Wye and the 2026 Rhayader Carnival Queen Ruby Powell with her attendants Emily Hards, Isabella Hughes, Kelsey Harley, Livvy Reeve, Lloyd Evans-Price, Mila Reeve, Elin Jones and Fflur Bennetts.

A friends and family group became Jolly Grand Nationals with jockeys riding Lady Lucy, Percy's Pride, Charlie Bay, Flo-Rider, Bex's Dream and Lilly's Luck and ladies enjoying the day out. | Andy Compton.

The day featured the traditional grand procession through the town, followed by the crowning of the Carnival Queen, prize presentations, live entertainment, stalls and attractions for all the family.

Four of the jockeys on the Jolly Grand National float. | Andy Compton

The carnival celebrations concluded on Sunday, July 19 with a knockout cricket competition on The Groe, bringing another memorable Rhayader Week to a close.

The Samuel, Flower, Thomas and Roberts families became Le Petite Shitz restaurant with chefs, an oven and a cooking pot. They even produced an exclusive menu with mains including 5 day matured sofa biscuit, hand squished pasta and Le Chicky Nuggy and desserts including warm yoghurt served on a high chair tray and one bite apple with a side of fluff. | Andy Compton.

The week leading up to Rhayader Carnival day was full of events including Rhayader and District Vintage Show, treasure hunts, quizzes, Gwastedyn Hill Race, World Championship Wednesday, Its a Knockout and an entertainment evening at the Groe.

Carnival judges Brycheiniog Tawr Nedd Senedd Member James Evans and his wife Emma and Llandrindod Wells Mayor Councillor Steve Deeks-D'Silva with his wife, Powys County Councillor Lauren D'Silva. Andy Compton. | Andy Compton.

A spokesperson for Rhayader Carnival Committee said: “Rhayader Carnival Week has once again exceeded all our expectations.

Looking into the future were two members of the Psychic Sisters float. Andy Compton | Andy Compton

The Three Amigo's – Julie Griffiths, Dawn Lewis and Yvonne Davies. | Andy Compton.

“As a committee, we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support shown throughout the week—from the fantastic number of participants and spectators to the way the people of Rhayader and the wider community came together to make the event such a success.

Rhayader Carnival Queen Ruby Powell. She was with her attendants Emily Hards, Isabella Hughes, Kelsey Harley, Livvy Reeve, Lloyd Evans-Price, Mila Reeve, Elin Jones and Fflur Bennetts. | Andy Compton.

“The week culminated in a truly outstanding Carnival Day, with an impressive 35 floats taking part, alongside a wonderful variety of walking entries.

A friends group dressed as individual Ferrero Rocher chocolates. | Andy Compton

Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat was Rose Sternbauer, 11, and Coco Eastland, 11. | Andy Compton.

“The atmosphere, creativity and community spirit on display were second to none.

Rebecca Williams from Hundred House was on the Becca Bo Peep float. Rebecca will be marrying Liam Forkings in August and members of her hen party filled the float. Andy Compton. | Andy Compton.

“Every year we say it surely can't get any bigger or better, yet each year our community proves us wrong. Rhayader Carnival 2026 has set an exceptionally high standard and will certainly take some beating.