Carnival fever swung into Tenby on Wednesday once again, when the town’s dedicated band of retained firefighters held their spectacular annual event once again.

The clouds bursts didn’t prevent participants and spectators from ‘soaking’ up the atmosphere and brightening up the town, with a colourful cavalcade of characters forming the parade of the Tenby Retained Firemen’s Carnival.

The carnival always has a special place in the resort’s calendar and never fails to capture the imagination of the crowds that line the route of the procession or the numerous floats and fancy dress competitors taking part, and this year was no exception, with entrants from all walks of life joining the parade, including Super Mario, Harry Potter, Little Red Riding Hood and Peter Pan. Even the Ghostbusters got into the ‘spirit’ of the occasion!

Festivities kicked-off at the fire station on South Parade early in the day with food and refreshments served throughout the day, along with a raffle, demonstrations by the fire crew, and plenty of fun activities for the kids.

The carnival parade featured a high number of floats and fancy dress walkers, led by the Swansea East Carnival Display Band, as they made their way from the railway station through the town and Tudor Square down to the harbour, before the winners of the carnival classes for the different categories, and lorry-borne entrants were chosen bu judges the Jones family from Cardiff, adn the Morelli family of Swansea.

“Despite the patchy weather, it was a fantastic turnout again with ex sub-officer Martin Hurlow even stating it was the biggest carnival he’d seen in 35 years!,” said carnival chairman Rhys Thomas.

“The Tenby fire crew continue to be astounded by the generosity of local businesses and the support that we get from the whole town and all those that come to join in and be a part of the day.

“We’d like to thank main sponsor Tenby House Hotel, and also Tredeml Print Design Studio and Printers, Jago, Qube, CK Roofing and The Normandie, who kindly provided sponsorship too.

“Thanks also go to all those who have donated to our raffle and supported it,” he added.

Once again, the main recipient of the money raised during the carnival day will be the Firefighters Charity.

Results as follows:

Floats

Best decorated float - 1st) Hansel and Gretel with their woodland friends; 2nd) Fairies at the bottom of the garden; 3rd) Tenby Circus.

The Marjorie and Bert Ford Perpetual Trophy, for 'Best charity float' - Tenby Aces with their Roald Dahl centenery celebration float.

Walking classes

Under 3s: 1st. Boat baby - Evangeline Paxtaon; 2nd. Gnome in pushchair - Billy Robson; 3rd. Queen bee - Hallie Paxton.

Under 7s: 1. Finding Dory - Emily and Jessica Page; 2. Pirate ship - Meg Simon and Mallie Thomas; 3. Football Euros - Alfie Robson.

Under 11s: 1. Claw machine - Rudy Thomas; 2. Mario cart - Ava Odley; Rock, Paper, Scissors - Evan Jones, Olwen and Mabli Evans.

Adults: 1. man in cage with monkey - Ian Morgan; Pied Piper - Jayne Paxton; 3. Singing in the rain - Jim Cornwell.

Pics. Gareth Davies Photography