Crowds lined the streets as the Ledbury Carnival parade made its way through the town.

This year’s carnival, which was on the theme of Countryside Fun, has been taking place today (Monday, August 28) in Ledbury.

The carnival procession started at the rugby club at 12pm before making its way up New Street, through the High Street and The Homend, down Orchard Lane and to the primary school.

Ledbury Primary School was named the overall winner of the carnival for its float, A sandwich short of a picnic.

Other category winners on the day included Arya Turner, Sue Holland, The Purderleigh Kings, HJ Pugh and Walsingham Support.

Ledbury firefighters took part in the carnival parade, as did So XSighted Morris, Weston’s Cider with its shire horses, and local businesses including ABE Ledbury and The Ledbury Pet Company.

Ledbury Ploughing Society, Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS), the Ledbury-Stromstad Twinning Association, the 1st Ledbury Rainbows and Brownies, Ledbury Town Council and many more were also involved.

Live music and other entertainment have been taking place in the town centre.

Janet Meredith, who is on the carnival organising committee, said: "Carnival day began with grey sky and drizzle when the carnival committee began setting up the site at 6.30am.

"The skies soon brightened and resulted in a warm but cloudy day.

"Stall holders began to arrive a little after 8am and began setting up their stalls, whilst at the same time, participants in the parade began arriving at the Rugby Club to complete their floats before judging at 10.30am.

"The procession left the Rugby Club promptly at noon and began its long journey into the Town Centre accompanied by decorated cars and three dance troupes, Dance in Motion, Cool Moves Dancers and blind and partially sighted Morris men So-Xcited.

"Pausing at the Co-Op, entries from the new class of 'Dressed Mobility Scooter and Wheelchairs', joined the procession as it reached the Town Centre to the cheers of an appreciative crowd. 

"The afternoon went well with live music in the High Street keeping visitors dancing in the street till 5pm.

"The children's area in St Katherines Car Park proved very popular with the youngsters where they were able to participate in free activities."