HUNDREDS of people descended on Bewdley on Saturday for the annual carnival which boasted the longest parade since the new committee was formed two years ago.

Bewdley Mayor Coun. Nicole Harper Meets the Wizards of Dogz. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR16
The parade journeyed through the town centre and there was a variety of activities and events for the masses to enjoy.

Under the deep blue sea. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR1
Among them were live music, a food court, local and town traders, a fun fair, the Riverside live music stage and a family area in Jubilee Gardens with live entertainment, traders and garden games.

Morris dancing into town. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR4
As well as providing a popular day of activities for people to enjoy, Bewdley Carnival also raises funds for good causes and not-profit organisations.

Hoola hoop skills. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR2
This year, the carnival organisers pledged £2,000 for the Friends of The Maypole, which is vying to safeguard the historic green land at Maypole Piece for future generations.

Enjoying the procession. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR18
On the Friday night before carnival day, there was an impressive fireworks display at the Riverside.

Doh it’s hot. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR17
Posting on Facebook after the event, the carinval organisers said: “It was an absolute scorcher on Saturday, but you still came out in your hundreds to support the day.”
Having a tentacle time. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2625002MMR14
They thanked everyone who took part in the parade, adding the ‘competition was fierce this year’.
Bewdley Rotary. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR13
They also thanked all the traders and guest traders who ‘kept smiling throughout the day despite intense heat and, at times, high winds’.
Bewdley Concert Band. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR12
There was a shout-out to the wonderful marshalls who gave up their time free, adding the event would not have been able to take place without them.
Crowds flock to Bewdley. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR11
And they paid their gratitude to all the bands and acts which performed for free to enable the carnival to raise more cash for charities, the entrants in the best-dressed window competition and everyone who helped out behind the scenes.
What’s the weather like up there ? Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR7
“So much hard work goes into putting on an event like this – including a 5am start on carnival day, but seeing you and your families enjoying the celebrations is what makes all that hard work worth it.”
Gnomes give a wave. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2725002MMR4
For more information and pictures, head to the Bewdley Carnival Facebook page and bewdleycarnival.co.uk – the Bewdley Carnival website.
Scroll across the top for more pictures of the day.