WITH just 16 weeks and 3 days Ledbury Carnival will be underway and all organised by a small committee of enthusiastic people.

Eight months in the planning, decisions to be taken, entertainment to be chosen and booked, stalls to be contacted , legal requirements to be met and many other tasks. If you are interested in helping with this by joining our committee. Contact our Secretary Jill at jill_jupp@hotmail.co.uk and she will be happy to help, but joining our committee is not the only way you can take part.

How about encouraging your daughters to take part in the Carnival Princess selection taking place next weekend at the Royal British Legion Club when a very enjoyable afternoon tea will be provided to enable the girls to meet the retiring Princess and her Attendants and ask them about their year, chat among themselves before speaking to the Judges in a relaxed and informal setting. Entry forms can be obtained from Sarah at Navigator clothing shop in New Street or downloaded from our website: ledburycarnival.co.uk.

Enter our 'Andy Ward' Memorial Cup to find the best Carnival Photograph of previous years, taken by an amateur photographer. Send entries to Jill by May 31.

Suggest your favourite Charitable or Non-for-Profit local groups have a Stall (and offer to help man it). These stalls are available free of charge and can help raise money for your group, promote their activities and recruit new members. Contact Janet at jsykes1936@live.co.uk to secure your place.

How about getting together with family and friends and creating a Float to travel in the procession.

Whilst our theme this year is 'Ledbury Blooms' with an emphasis on sustainability and the environment feel free to use a topic of your choice.

No transport !! Contact Jill (above) who may be able to make a few suggestions.

What about entering the Fancy Dress Competition either individually or in the 'Walking and Self- propelled Vehicle Class'. Entry forms will soon be available from Jamie, email drjamiewho@hotmail.co.uk.

Act as a Steward on the day, helping with road blocks, visitors who may need assistance or directions and generally helping as needed. This is organised in such a way as stewards are needed for short stints of 1 - 2 hours so they may all enjoy the day. Again, contact either Jill or Janet at the above email addresses.

There are numerous ways to make Carnival a successful and enjoyable day for everyone and all volunteers will be made welcome.

Ledbury Carnival is a traditional Carnival and is an Annual Event in the town, and, prior to covid, had ran each year since 1975.

Carnival begins with the Carnival Princess leading a parade of brightly coloured floats leaving Ledbury Rugby Club, followed by a parade of people in Fancy Dress, riding bicycles and other imaginative forms of transport.

The procession makes it way up New Street and enters the Town Centre via the Top Cross before parading through the High Street and Homend. As the parade passes Hereford Hospital Radio give live commentary on the entries and announces the winners to the crowd whilst entrants on the winning floats proudly show the trophies they have won.

An afternoon of Live Entertainment follows and often leads to people 'dancing in the street'. For 2022, we are using Bye Street Car Park as a 'quieter' staged area with an emphasis on Childrens Entertainment and for those who just want a quieter setting to sit and chat with friends. A children's disco will take place bringing delight to both the children and adults who enjoy seeing them have fun.

Town is filled with a selection of Stalls run by local non-for-profit groups and Charitable Organisations who are raising awareness of their activities, encouraging new members and raising money for their groups. These stalls are free so keep 100% of the money they raise. There are also trade stalls to tempt you with their wares.

Carnival is a free event brings people of all ages together for a fun-filled afternoon and

we hope you will all be able to join us.