DESPITE the disappointment of a cancelled carnival, some 1,500 turned out to enjoy a Party in the Car Park put on by the event’s committee. 

 

The Bank Holiday Monday event got underway at 1pm with  the Carnival Princess and her Attendants, together with the Mayor of Ledbury, cutting a ribbon at St Katherine’s Car Park.  

 

Despite the cooler than expected weather, a steady stream of visitors turned out to support the various community groups and trade stands in attendance.

 

Carnival treasurer Janet Meredith said: “Stallholders reported a successful afternoon both in terms of money raised and promotion of their organisations. 

 

“The Cultivation Corner proved very popular. The Face Painter and Balloon modeller had queues of children waiting to see them.  

 

“A children’s disco proved the highlight of the afternoon with youngsters singing and dancing along with DJ Chris. Carol Lee Sampson and Don Macleod proved a popular replacement when a member of the previously booked Band had taken ill. 

 

“Hereford Hospital Radio kept everyone informed between playing classic tracks to keep visitors happy. 

 

“Approximately 1500 people attended what has proved to be a very successful event.”

 

Elsewhere in the town, businesses decorated their windows on the theme of “Games”. Their efforts were inspected by judges who declared Raft as the overall winner, with Navigator in second place and Tanzanite in third.  

 

This has been the second year the pandemic has hit the town’s traditional carnival, which in better times draws up to 10,000 visitors into Ledbury.