BUILTH Wells came alive last week as the town’s first carnival in two years was held following the doom and gloom of Covid-19.
After the blistering heat wave of the day before, carnival day itself, on Saturday, June 18, was met with dark clouds and rain fell throughout the day. But spirits could not be dampened as people turned out in force to celebrate one of the town’s favourite events of the year.
“We, as a carnival committee, are always overwhelmed by the support of everyone, from helping to their attendance, and it was another amazingly successful carnival,” said Rachael Hughes, chair of Builth Fest, who organise the event.
“As Builth Fest chairperson I couldn’t be prouder of our small community, there was a buzz and great atmosphere throughout our carnival week.
“The carnival went much better than expected, despite the rain. Our main act Steve Colley, along with our local Wye Valley Axemen, wowed the crowds.
“We also provided the families with a free circus and petting zoo. There were also inflatables, donkey rides and much more available.
“We had 15 local stands also providing the families with a range of activities.”
The whole week saw the town transform into a hive of activity. Carnival week started on the Sunday before, with a car treasure hunt; 25 cars competing altogether.
On Monday, June 13, there was the children’s walking treasure hunt and storytime. Tuesday was the children’s sports day followed by the 5k fun run, with the local fire crew coming down to the field and providing a giant water sprinkler for the children after the races, which the kids absolutely loved.
Wednesday was Jarv’s music quiz, while Thursday was the carnival scarecrow voting night, with the big event on the penultimate day the popular three-legged beer race on Friday night through town.
Carnival Results:
Scarecrows 1st What Tots Want, 2nd the Brown family, 3rd the Pontin family. The winners of the beer race were Luke Dewinton and Mark ‘Magpie’ Price from The Lamb; the best decorated shop window was Clive Menswear; our carnival king and queen were crowned by the previous queen, Bronwen Davies, king – Byron Jones, queen – Elisha Evans. Attendants were Tia Griffiths, Lacey-Lee West and Seth Shergold; best children’s float Lala’s Daycare with Toy Story, 2nd place Builth RFC junior section with the rugby pitch, 3rd Cylch yn yr Ysgol with Disney characters.
The best adult float was the odd balls with their float ‘Not Boris Lockdown Party, 2nd place went to the Builth Rugby Club youth team; best overall float, winning the Alun Brown Memorial Cup, went to Toy Story.
Fancy dress individual: age 4 and under 1st Seth Price, 2nd Lowri Davies, 3rd Nancy Jones; age 5-7 joint 1st Freddie Morgan and Aidan Cayetano, joint 2nd Kathryn pope and Fliss Harmer, 3rd Sydney Chester; age 8 -11 1st Ava Rollinson, 2nd phoebe Jarvis, 3rd Amelia Davies; age 16 and over 1st Bonna Williams;
Fancy dress groups: age 4 and under 1st 101 Prices, 2nd the royal sisters; age 5-7 1st Bill and Ben, joint 2nd Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat; age 8-11 Mario and Princess Peach; age 16 and older Party Animals. Best overall fancy dress and winning the Joyce Bufton Memorial Cup went to Freddie Morgan.
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