Lookin’ tweet for parade (From Free Press Series)

Lookin’ tweet for parade

2:11pm Thursday 29th June 2006 in Pontypool news

THOUSANDS of people filled the streets of Blaenavon for this year's World Heritage Day celebrations.

The day kicked off with the colourful grand procession, the theme of which was the Victorian era.

Pupils from Hillside and St Peter's Primary Schools took part in the parade wearing hand-made costumes created with the help of artists from SWICA (the South Wales Inter-Cultural Community Arts).

There was music from Blaenavon Town Band, entertainment from local dance groups and a popular Victorian fair complete with swing boats and a helter-skelter.

The event attracted more than 4,000 visitors to the town, and youngsters and the young at heart made the most of the good weather, enjoying activities such as face painting, street entertainment and puppet shows.

Amy Taylor, marketing and events assistant for the Blaenavon Project said everybody had a great time.

"The event went very well, there was an excellent turnout with most people staying all day," she said.

The highlight of the day was the appearance of TV and radio personality Owen Money and his Soul Sharks.

"Everybody enjoyed themselves and we would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who contributed to making the day a real success and to the local businesses who supported us and donated prizes to the raffle," she added.