Town swings to carnival rhythm (From Free Press Series)

Town swings to carnival rhythm

PONTYPOOL'S first mardi gras-style carnival was blessed with sunshine, colour and big crowds on Saturday.

The council decided to replace the traditional floats with a walking-only procession.

And the streets were packed with people who turned out to see the procession on its new, shorter route through the town.

It included giant figures representing Math and Blodeuwedd from the Mabinogion, created by Torfaen's youth service, while visiting dancers from the Zimbabwe Grass Roots Theatre Group gave the procession an exotic flavour.

There were dozens of colourful costume themes involving young people from across the borough, including mums and kids from Sure Start as witches and fairies, and Brynwern carnival committee as characters from Midsummer Night's Dream.

At the head of the procession, resplendent in a Daimler, were Pontypool's Carnival Queen Victoria Lucas and her court.

The decision not to include floats met with mixed emotions.

Carnival chairman Hugh Corfield explained: "There were dwindling numbers and a growing number of health and safety issues."

Councillor Len Constance, Torfaen council's deputy cabinet member for leisure youth and culture, called the carnival a "fantastic success".

But Sarah Powell from Griffithstown, said: "It's a great day but I did miss the floats.

"They add a real heart to the procession."