Monmouth Carnival once again proved lucky with the weather as children and adults took part in the parade across Chippenham.

Led by Batala Bristol, the Samba reggae and street drummers, the colourful display snaked its way from Chippenhamgate Street to the main arena on the park to be judged by the mayoral party.

Bringing up the rear was the Samba Galez, Wales’ longest-running Samba band with street entertainer Laura Loops adding to the carnival atmosphere.

There were three classes. Large Groups, won by ‘Platinum Jubilee’- Elsie Freeman, Evie Brett, Amelia and Poppy Layne - with Monmouth Gym Club coming second.

Small groups or pedestrian was won by Olivia Humphries, second place was Saffron Niblock.

Third place in the non-motorised decorated vehicles was Paddington Bear, with Eve Layne and mum Caroline. Second place went to the Queen’s Carriage, entered by the Layne family.

The event was organised by the Monmouth Carnival Voluntary Group and wouldn’t be possible without the help of many other community groups.

Funding for the event was provided by Monmouth Town Council, and costume parade entries were judged and awarded by Monmouth’s newly elected mayor Alice Fletcher and deputy mayor Tom Kirton. This year, carnival organisers decided to boost the prize money to a whopping £200 for first place entries and £100 for second places.

Monmouth Litter Pickers kindly wheeled out the bins and made sure the Chippenham Playing Fields were pristine at the end of it.

The Bridges Centre provided car parking for Batala Bristol and Samba Galez who performed as part of the parade and in the arena. Monmouth Gymnastics Club wowed carnival goers with their display. Monmouthshire County Council kindly provided the use of the Chippenham Playing fields and a number of officers assisted in the planning stages. Rotary Monmouth assisted in stewarding the event and St Johns were there as first aiders. John Kidley showed off his antique coal-powered steam tractor.

Jeff from Sunshine Disco provided music throughout the day, Laura Loops from Bezerkaz Circus demonstrated fantastic twirls with hula hoops and Fire Specialist Vulcan captured the audience with a fire display.

And of course the day wouldn’t be complete without the local firefighters from Monmouth’s branch of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.