Narberth was overrun by colour, sound and spectacle on Saturday as Span Arts’ Wonder Women procession took to the streets with and amazing celebration of female diversity from around the world!

Over 1,000 people turned out to watch the parade despite a torrential downpour just before the event was due to take place. Luckily, the sun came out just in time for this year’s carnival, celebrating 100 years of Votes for Women.

Leading Narberth Carnival were three giant puppets of inspirational women; Gold-medal winning Tanni Grey-Thompson in her racing wheelchair; Awe-inspiring Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst; and civil rights poet Maya Angelou. Alongside them were tribes of local men and women, boys and girls, waving their sticks and banners for equality here in West Wales.

Mayor of Narberth, Elizabeth Rogers said “The work that went into this procession, both behind the scenes as well as in the parade was amazing. Thank you for all your hard work, I can’t wait to see what Span Arts do next year”

The project was made possible by a grant from Big Lottery Wales funding public workshops, outreach sessions, materials and a fantastic all-female samba band. In addition, there was support from PAVS Community Connectors who funded a very special “Pimp My Wheels” workshop enabling wheelchair users to get fully involved in the carnival.

As well as the hundreds of local people and volunteers who made this spectacular event a reality, Span Arts worked with the Guides and Rainbows, Lee Davies Day Care Centre and participants from Hafal Cymru a charity supporting women with mental health problems.

With the theme celebrating ‘Wonder Women’ everywhere - Narberth Mayor Clr. Elizabeth Rogers thanked all who took part in the parade, the culmination of Civic Week 2018.

“As 2018 is my last Civic Week as chair and as part of a great team, my biggest thanks go to you all for letting me be part of this Narberth Civic Week, and my hope is for the event to grow and achieve even more in the future!” said Clr. Elizabeth Rogers.

“I’m so pleased with how activities went - the civic service and parade with the sun shining was a fantastic start to Civic Week 2018.

“18 cars went treasure hunting, a full rugby club for children’s bingo, with last house tickets to Manor park.

“We had over 30 children beating the goalie, as well as a family fun quiz and another full Rugby Club, with the winners the Rat Pack donating their winnings back to civic week.

“A full Queens Hall featuring zumba and thanks to Tracie Zumba. We had a wonderful baby show too.

“We had a great week and the weather was with us mostly, but it was a close call on Saturday - I’ve always been relieved by 5 pm on carnival afternoon but never as much as this year!

“Thanks go to all who helped make it such a great day.

“Thanks goes to Narberth Rugby Club, Sheena and everyone associated with all help through Civic weeks, past and present.

“Prize givers such as Clerkenhill, Manor House, Blue Lagoon, Heatherton, The Dragon Inn, The Dragon House, Beautique, Megna and Span.

“The sponsors - Burns pet food, Spar Narberth, Narberth fire fighters, winter carnival, St. Andrews Church, Bethesda Church, Lansker Quilters, RAOB Club, Anne Lonsdale, Swim Narberth, The Welsh Collection with The Bridle Boutique and Rock n Rolla.

“Also, all helpers - Jordon, Ben, Karl, Luke, Hotel Plas, Tracie Zumba, Keane, Narberth Museum, Steve, Peter and the ramblers, the Scout Hut, Queens Hall, and Ian Gravell.

“Special thanks to Wyn and Carol Calvin for their continued support, and all judges throughout the week, marshals, djs, bingo callers, PA and traffic control.

“Most of all to the people of the community for always coming to the event we put on, thank you and good bye.

“Civic week will need everyones help now so join them - it’s not hard work if you all work together.

“I’ve had the best time helping with civic week and that is all down to you making ever year better, so please do the same now,” added the Mayor.

Civic Week results:

Children’s treasure hunt: 8 and under - 1st. Neveah Clews, 2nd. House Chell.

Over 8 -1st. magnificent 7 2nd. Jack Palmer Whittington

Worm charmers winner - Zac and co; longest worm - Brenchley Williams.

Pet show: Waggiest tail - 3rd. Bramble and Frankie, 2nd. Rogue and Zoe, 1st. Lilly owned by Megan.

Small dog - 3rd. Titty and Ali, 2nd. Wotsit and Betsy; 1st. Buddy owned by Claire.

Exotic - 3rd. Orville and Ronnie, 2nd. Rocky and Reyn, 1st. Georgia owned by Finlay.

Large dog - 3rd. Gwen Stephen/Anna, 2nd. Murphy and Stugess, 1st. Daisy owned by F.

Pet look like owner - 3rd. Georgie and Finlay, 2nd. Wotsit and Betsy, 1st. Rocky owned by Reyn .

Small pet (no cats/dogs) - 3rd. Missy the rabbitand Sydney, 2nd. Orville the goose, 1st. Fern, BlackBerry and Cinnamon the guinea pigs owned by Thisloe, Else and Woody

Overall - George the tortoise owned by Finley, with a reserve going to Daisy owned by Evie.

Carnival Results:

Best pram/cycle - 1st. Ten-bee, Leanna.

Best child (4 years and under) - 1st. Suffragette, Be Requena; 2nd. Dory, Kitty Owen; (5/8) - 1st. Princessgate, Scarlet Jones, 2nd. Minecraft, Harley Thomas; (9/11) - wrestler smurf; (12/15) - 1st. Nemo, Mali Owen.

Best adult male -Troll, Huw Owen; Adult female - she’s broken me already, Anneka Hopson Griffiths; Best couple or pair - Harms, Gail Watts and Odin.

Best walking entrant -Ten-Bee, Leanna.

Best child overall - Princessgate, Scarlet Jones.

Best large float - Peter Rabbit, Noah’s Ark.

Best small float - Narberth boys go racing, Feets and co.

Best Pub or Club - Pirates of the Caribbean, Narberth Rugby Under 14s.

Best overall float - Pirates of the Caribbean, winning the Shelly Harries shield.

The Tom Thomas Cup went to Narberth racing boys.

Narberth Civic Week flower results

Best border - 1, Mr. and Mrs. Wylde of Hill Park; 2, Mr. and Mrs. Bibby of Bloomfield Gardens; 3, Mrs. Feetham of Springfield Park.

Best commercial premises -1, Contented sole; 2, Spar; 3, Golden Sheaf Gallery;

Best licensed premises pub or club - 1, Queens Hall; 2, RAOB Club.

Best hanging basket - 1, Mrs. Morris Adams Drive; 2, Mr. and Mrs. Jaques of Cox Hill; 3, Dattke James of John Close.

Overall winner - Wylde Hill Park.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography