Countdown to town carnival

Preparations are well underway for the annual Newtown Carnival which will mark the 130th year of a carnival being staged in the town.

Organisers are urging anyone who wants to take part with a float or in the parade to contact them in advance of the event to be held on 10 June.

"Anyone taking part needs to fill in a booking form and a disclaimer, it's as simple as that," said a spokesperson.

Anyone interested can email newtowncarnival@hotmail.co.uk for more details.

On Saturday an event was held at The Monty Club to mark 130 years since the first carnival in the town. The public attended to talk about their own experiences of carnivals which are being recorded as part of a project celebrating the anniversary.

This year's carnival will include the parade from Lower Canal Road around the town centre, as well as events, activities and entertainment in the Town Hall grounds.

On the Sunday the now regular battle of the bands will take place as part of an event organised by Newtown Silver Band. Bands from across the country are expected to take part.

Photo: Carnival Queen Billiee-Jo Lloyd and her attendants.