THE sun shone on Bewdley at the weekend as thousands of people lined the streets to enjoy the popular annual carnival.

Residents, volunteers, community groups, schools and churches all got into the spirit, taking part in the parade through the town and enjoying a host of activities during Saturday’s (June 9) event.

Members of Bewdley Carnival Committee hailed the day a great success and added proceeds were still being counted up and will be distributed amongst local charities.

Princesses Evi Lou Fahy, aged nine, five-year-old Lola Glarvey, nine-year-old Tanya Brazier and Holly Southern, aged seven led the parade.

Among the dignitaries who attended were Bewdley Mayor Roger Coleman, who drive a tractor in the parade, Mayoress Anna Coleman and the town’s Deputy Mayor Phillip Edmundson.

They were joined by Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier, Kidderminster Mayor and Mayoress Martin Stooke and Liz Steadman, Stourport’s Mayor and Mayoress David Little and Shirley Little and Wyre Forest District Council chairman Stephen Williams.

A host of awards were also given out during the day. Best dressed shop window went to Ashley’s Bakery for their Teddy Bear’s High Tea Time display while a special prize was given to October 21st boutique who created a door garland.

Bewdley Baptist Church was given first prize in the children/adult walking group section of the parade for their ‘Greatest Show on Earth’.

Bewdley Primary School, with West Midland Safari Park, was given first prize in the Youth Group section for ‘The Lion King at Bewdley Primary’ they put on, while Coney Green Steam Fair was handed the top gong for their ‘Get To The Sun’ float in the Private Class section.

And the prize for the Vintage/Classic vehicle went to Chris Lees for his Riley RMA.

The whole event ended with a spectacular firework display, put on by Bewdley Town Council.

Angela Pitt, from Bewdley Carnival Committee, said: “Bewdley came alive on Saturday and we all had a wonderful day.

“We would like to thank everybody that came and helped on the day and in the months leading to the Carnival and all the people who came and supported it.”

A fundraising page to support next year’s event has been set up and people can support it by visiting www.crowdfunder.co.uk/support-bewdley-carnival-2019/