There may have been a marching band, but where was the procession of fancy dressed followers? That was the question being asked by spectators at this year's Tenby Winter Carnival, as a poor turnout has left the event's future in doubt.
With judging of the floats due to take place at the town's Butts Field car park before proceedings kicked-off, Mayor, Clr. Trevor Hallet, and his colleagues, were greeted by nothing more than a merry band of emergency services personnel and their vehicles, with not a carnival float in sight. "I was hugely disappointed that people couldn't make the effort to take part in the Winter Carnival," said Ann Rowell, who organised the event on behalf of Tenby Chamber of Trade.
"Numerous spectators came up to me to say how disgusted they were that no-one could make the effort to dress up or to organise a float. "I hope these people complaining will make an effort next year. The situation wasn't helped by a rumour being spread that the carnival was cancelled. Who got it so wrong?" remarked Ann.
Among those in fancy dress who did make the effort were sixth form pupils from Greenhill School, whose 'Christmas Conga' at least gave the Swansea Air Training Corps band, who led the parade, some festive dance moves to go in time with the Yuletide tunes.
The RNLI, Coastguard and Fire crews also entered into the spirit of things, as always, making sure that it wasn't totally a silent night! Carnival results were: under four years - 1. Mabli Evans; 2. Olwen Evans; five to 10 years - 1. Skylar Evans; best couple under 14 years - Collier children with their dog; best decorated buggy - Lily Rice; best group - Greenhill School sixth form 'Christmas Conga'; best dressed shop window - Definitive Dragonfly; best staff fancy dress - Serendipity.