There were sunny smiles all round in Narberth on Saturday as the biggest carnival in Wales burst into life. A crowd of around 9,000 came from far and wide and packed the town for the traditional climax to Civic Week. And they were not to be disappointed, as over 30 vehicles of all descriptions, including 18 floats, interspersed with marching bands, jugglers, stilt walkers, dancers, western riders on horseback, plus a whole host of walking entries, made up the colossal procession, which saw its front meet its tail-end during its two circuits of the town. Drawing gasps of amazement and delight from onlookers, the crowds revelled in the summer merriment and cheered and clapped the lively cavalcade as it made its way to the Town Moor where the celebrations continued long into the afternoon. And, with no specific theme this year, participants let their imagination run riot in designing and building the many eye-catching lorry-borne entries and colourful fancy dress costumes, which followed both topical and traditional themes, including Disney characters and nursery rhyme favourites, Thunderbirds, cowboys and pirates. I even spotted a town councillor playing the drums on one of the floats! Adding a touch of elegance to proceedings was Carnival Queen Shaylee Bradshaw and her attendants Shazra Uddin and Bobbie Evans, Rose Queen Gracie Garside and her attendants Bethan Feetham and Isabella Guglemai, Fairy Queen Mollie Griffiths and attendants Nikita Rossiter and Victoria Rees and page boys Owen Griffiths and Benji Gillard, aboard their flower-bedecked floats. Headed by junior town criers, Shannon and Shelley Harries, the parade was also given a civic salute by Mayor of Narberth, Clr. Henry Langen - who performed a few 'stunts' in his wheelchair - while also joining in the fun was honorary president, Welsh Prince of Laughter, Wyn Calvin MBE. Speaking to the Observer afterwards, Civic Week chairman, Clr. Wynne Evans, was delighted with the success of the event. "It was absolutely fantastic," he said. "With a total of 274 walking entries and 31 vehicles, I think we have retained the title of the largest carnival in Wales," he continued. "The carnival was the climax to a marvellous Civic Week, which saw 59 events taking place in the town. It really was a fantastic week and the committee are really over the moon at how successful it was. "The Carnival Queen, Rose Queen, Fairy Queen and page boys looked stunning and the authentic Civil War Camp that was set-up on the Moor made quite an impact. All in all, it was a wonderful summer celebration and congratulations to everyone who took part. "Although this was the last time I will play a major role in organising Civic Week, I will still be staying on the committee to help out, but I would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported me over the years." Clr. Henry Langen was also overwhelmed at the success of the carnival and the week as a whole. "It really was phenomenal," he said. "I have never seen a crowd as big as that in Narberth. It was massive and the people were truly amazing. "It has surely got to have been the biggest and best in Wales. The weather did us proud too, which helped to make the day so fantastic."

Results

Best overall float: Old Woman who lived in a Shoe (Sunnybank Residential Home). Best horse and rider: Nick Evans, Sycamore Ranch, Llawhaden. Best large float: Walt Disney USA (Milford Haven Carnival Crew). Best small float: Summer Holiday (Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club). Best pub/club float: Half Naked Chef (Narberth Food Festival, SPAN and Queen's Hall). Best car and trailer: Blazing Paddles (New Inn, Amroth). Best pram and cycle: Blodwen (Dennis Mason). Best village entry: The Sporting Tarts (Ridgeway Nursing Home). Judges special award: Nursery Rhymes (Templeton YFC). Chairman's award: Healthy Heart (Narberth Health Centre). Celtic Inns award: Peter Pan (Circus Malarky). Best child under four: 1. Bill and Ben (Hedd and Caleb Nicholas); 2. Leprechaun and Toadstool (Kieran Blair); 3. Miniature Hero (Luke Evans). Best child aged five and six: 1. Minnie Mouse (Alanna Hayes); 2. Shrek (Jessica, Charlie and Georgina); 3. Gangster Moll (Ceri Bowen). Best child aged seven and eight: 1. Red Indian (Kelsey Rees); 2. The Munchkins (Dylan Rees and James Rees); 3. Mobile 'phone (Curtis Blair). Best child nine and 10: 1. Teapot (Jessica Clark); 2. James Bond (Ryan Rees); 3. Tramp (William Bowen). Best child 11 and 12: 1. 118 118 (Sarah Jenkins and Ffion Wilding); 2. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (Rhiannon Headlam); 3. Hippy (Henry Boyd). Best child 13 and 14: 1. Turkish Delight (Natalie Ralley); 2. Red Indian (Beth Powell); 3. Yankee Doodle Dandy (Glesni George). Best child overall: Minnie Mouse (Alanna Hayes). Best children's group: Scarecrow's Day Out (Kathryn Moore and friends). Best mixed age group: Wizard of Oz (Walters Pals). Best adult male: Chimney Sweep (Paul James). Best adult female: Colin from the Co-op advert (Grace Hart). Best adult group: Wizard of Oz (Walters Pals). Best couple or pair: 118 118 (Sarah Jenkins and Ffion Wilding). Best over 55 years: Captain Hook (Robert Goddard). Best overall walker: Captain Hook (Robert Goddard). Best shop window (Wild West theme): Dickmans. Best shop staff in fancy dress: Jack Williams, Costcutter.