THE Ledbury Carnival of 2019 was blessed with blue skies, sunshine and record Bank Holiday Monday temperatures.

And huge crowds as usual filled the town centre for the single biggest event on Ledbury’s calendar, which regularly attracts at estimated 10,000 people.

Ledbury Carnival Committee Association, Jill Jupp said: “The theme ‘Ledbury All at Sea – A Nautical Carnival’ had generated a great deal of interest, both prior to the day with the Shop Window Competition Displays in the town, a record number of entries and the procession itself.

Colourful and musical floats, including Noah’s Ark, Yellow Submarine, Pirate Ships, Cleaning Up Our Oceans, Lion King and individual entries such as King Neptune, The Owl and the Pussy Cat, produced an eye-catching display.

“The Community Choir sang their way round with items such as The Beautiful Briny Sea, Yellow Submarine etc, Friends of Ledbury Children’s Centre danced and sang, Ashperton Primary School brought the Lion King to life and the streets were lined with enthusiastic crowds, both young and old, from far and wide.”

She added: “Music Pool, the Bym Master supported with a small but energetic percussion group and also ran a workshop prior to the procession, which attracted more families at the Rugby Club.

“A continuous programme of music, Ledbury Community Brass Band, Nice N’ Sleazy, Breaking News, Rowlands Fair, Looby Lou Face Painting, Joey the Juggler and Terry the Paper Wizard, together with a variety of stalls, charity and trade, kept families entertained.

“Nice N’ Sleazy were supported by two young guest performers, James and Charlie, aged eight and seven years respectively. James played his guitar and sang ‘That’s Alright Mama’ and ‘‘You Are My Sunshine’; both youngsters received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd.”