The 30th anniversary of the Astwood Bank Carnival was one of the most successful and happiest carnivals to date

Thousands of people lined the streets as the procession was led by this year’s carnival royalty, being taken around in a horse drawn lander, which in turn was followed by two limousines containing Rachel Maclean MP and Redditch mayor Jennifer Wheeler, among other dignitaries.

They were followed by 10 decorated floats as well as a selection of traction engines, American muscle cars, and marching bands.

Half way round the procession they were then joined by a number of walking groups.

The winners of the best float competition were Matchborough 1st Scouts, and the winners of the best walking group were Tiny Tribes.

Later the carnival royalty voted the float from Matchborough 1st Scouts as being the ‘Best in Show’ entry this year.

Not long after the procession had returned to the carnival field crowds were entertained by a flypast of an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster bomber, and then everything from the fun dog show, to the air rifle shooting.

Chairman of the carnival committee Ashly Hewitt said: “This has to have been one of the most successful and happiest carnivals we have been able to put on.

"Our thanks go not only to the many local businesses who support us, the carnival committee members who put in so much work throughout the year to make this happen, but also the public who make the whole thing worthwhile.

"After all of this we then are in the privileged position of having funds that we are able to share later in the year with local groups and charities to help put even more back into our community."