Archive - Tuesday, 13 July 2004


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Shrek's carnival first

THIS year's Abergavenny carnival had even more floats than last year's record number.

Crowds gathered four deep in Cross Street to watch the parade move through the town and people commented on the marvellous atmosphere it created as families sat at the tables and chairs provided by the council and enjoyed a drink or meal.

Led by carnival queen Charlotte Tucker, with princesses Laura Chicken and Holly Crawford, the parade included 12 floats covering a wide variety of themes.

There was the nostalgic Days Gone By from the Somerset Arms gang, and Allo, Allo from the Hen and Chicks Hotel, and a very welcome entry from Abergavenny Farmers' Market, Taking a Trip Up To Abergavenny.

There was Shrek from Danyderi residents, The Little Mermaid from Grosvenor Road estate, Chief Sitting Bull from Hillside and Peter Pan from the Old Barn Estate.

Dancemaster had a float full of Hawaiian girls, together with cheerleaders, and Mayzmusik cleverly portrayed Grease. Among the children's floats there was Our Secret Garden from the Jones and Davies family of Underhill Crescent, and Top Cat from the youngsters associated with the Hen and Chicks.

Music was provided by the Prince of Wales Marching Band and the Rhymney Coronets jazz band.

The judges, Abergavenny mayor Chris Woodhouse and his wife Sheila, and Andy Sambidge, editor of the Free Press, had a difficult task.

Best street or estate: 1, Danyderi (Shrek); 2, Grosvenor Road (The Little Mermaid); 3, Old Barn Estate (Peter Pan).

Best Children's float: 1, Dot Jones and family (Our Secret Garden); 2, Hen and Chicks (Top Cat); 3, Dancemaster (Hawaiian girls).

Best pub: Somerset Inn (Days Gone By); best club: Mayzmusik (Grease).

Best adult float: Abergavenny market traders. Best float overall: Shrek (Danyderi). The top adult walking entry was on an Olympics theme and was put together by John and Christine Prosser, joined by friends in togas. The top children's walking entry was from Dancemaster.

There was plenty for families in Bailey Park with the Gunsmoke Wild West Show, the Brandywine Cloggers, Carnival Rock with local bands, slot car racing and a six-a-side football tournament, won by Goytre, who beat Gilwern in the final, plus dancing displays from Dancemaster.

Carnival week events include Pink Floyd The Wall at the Borough Theatre tonight and tomorrow night.