A FIRST ever king and the inaugural beer race were highlights of this year’s Newbridge Carnival, which was held last Saturday, June 29.

Newbridge-on-Wye held its hugely successful annual carnival on the village green, with events going on throughout the week in the lead up to carnival day. 

A great new addition to the carnival run-up this year was the first-ever beer race, organised by Pip Samuel, to get everyone into the carnival spirit; this was held on Thursday, June 27, with Sean Beehan and Christian Jones crowned inaugural champions.

With 14 teams entered into the race, it started from the New Inn and went around a course around the village, set out marking eight historic pubs which have been in the Newbridge over the years, before finishing at the Golden Lion.

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With a tremendous turnout yet again of individual fancy dress entries and floats embarking on to the village green, the 2024 carnival kicked off, with the village’s local minister Misha Pedersen carrying out judging.

Winners of the best floats were: 1st – Newbridge-on-Wye Primary School; 2nd – Eco Pirates; 3rd – Mario Cart.

With nearly 20 entries into the ballot for the carnival king and queen, Newbridge named its first carnival king, with Harley Cook, aged 9, crowned king. He was joined by attendants Mabli Christie-Rees and Emilia Cook, both 6, Evelyn Nixon-Hall, 7, and Lily Walters, 8.

 Mario and Luigi made a special appearance at Newbridge Carnival.Mario and Luigi made a special appearance at Newbridge Carnival. (Image: Newbridge-on-Wye Carnival)

 Carnival king Harley Cook, with attendants Mabli Christie-Rees, Emilia Cook, Evelyn Nixon-Hall and Lily Walters, 8.Carnival king Harley Cook, with attendants Mabli Christie-Rees, Emilia Cook, Evelyn Nixon-Hall and Lily Walters, 8. (Image: Newbridge-on-Wye Carnival)

 Newbridge-on-Wye Primary School were crowned best float.Newbridge-on-Wye Primary School were crowned best float. (Image: Newbridge-on-Wye Carnival)

Following on from the crowning of the king and the float procession the afternoon was filled with free family fun including children’s races, hammering the nail race, tug of war and egg catching.

To keep the carnival free to put on each year, every penny from it goes a long way to keep putting on the amazing event for free.

“We are always so grateful for all the donations and participation in the many events we hold throughout the year to raise money to ensure we can keep this a free day out for families,” said a carnival spokesperson.

“The carnival has a Go Fund Me account, if you would like to donate any amount to help make the 2025 carnival also a big success.”

Newbridge Primary School, as part of their curriculum work, created digital adverts and posters in the run-up to carnival.

For more information or to donate, visit the carnival page at https://gofund.me/9017ae41.