THOUSANDS of people packed into Pershore to celebrate the circus and enjoy the town’s iconic carnival.
Residents from across the Vale were invited to get involved in the annual event on Bank Holiday Monday (May 30) which offered for fun for all the family.
Entertainment and attractions were held throughout the day including the Blue Cross Dog Show, funfair, a host of stalls and markets and entertainment in the arena.
The undoubted highlight was again the procession which began at Pershore Town Football Club on King George’s Way and made its way to Abbey Park on this year’s carnival theme of Circus of the World.
A variety of floats were on show with prizes awarded in a number of categories by judges including Pershore Mayor Coun Bob Gillmor, Wychavon District Council chairman Coun Frances Smith and her consort Mark Jennings and Coun Val Wood.
Creative youngsters at Holy Redeemer School took the honours for best motorised float while the best walking wheels award went to the team from the Pershore Plum Festival.
Cherry Orchard First School scooped success in the best walking float category while Unicorn Equestrian were handed the prize for best individual/small group float.
The overall winners of the competition were Holy Redeemer School and once the daytime activities had come to a conclusion, an evening of music took place thanks to the support of local businesses.
A lack of funding had initially meant there was no evening entertainment planned to bring the curtain down on this year’s event
But thanks to the efforts of committee chairman Colin Shepherd and the kind-hearted support of local businesses, an evening concert featuring Purple Shades, Sandra Mason, Gordon Dean Griff, Emily Phillips and the Pershore Brass and fireworks rounded off the day.
This year’s carnival raised money for the two chosen charities; South Worcestershire Lifesaving and Lifeguard Club and the Hopscotch Pre-School
Mr Shepherd told the Observer the event had been a resounding success.
“I think this year’s event was one of the most colourful we have staged thanks to the Circus of the World theme and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” he said.
“Once again it was a resounding success and was only made possible thanks to the hard work and support from a number of people.”
