Is a Carnival re-think needed after disappointing turn-out
Despite a well-organised Carnival, some residents are calling for a re-think after a very short parade and low crowd numbers.
The rain largely held off for most of the afternoon, but the town centre crowd watching the short parade was well down on previous years, with just one lorry containing the Carnival Queen in the procession.
There was, however, a healthy number of walking participants from various groups and clubs in the parade providing plenty of smiles.
But, while there was plenty going on at the Carnival Field at Maesydre, including a breath-taking BMX show, the above photograph by From Above - Drone Photography taken at 2.45pm shows just how sparse the crowd was as the weather started to change for the worse.
As is the case these days, people took to their keyboards last night to share their thoughts on Facebook, with many calling for a re-think if the carnival is to survive.
MyWelshpool carried a story last month warning readers that the parade may well be underwhelming this year, after the Town Council, who organised yesterday’s event, conceded that health & safety was putting people off.
But many highlighted that Llanfair Caereinion the previous day didn’t face such issues with several floats on show.
Surprisingly, there were a lot of people stating that they didn’t even know the Carnival was taking place, despite posts on social media and posters around the town.
The Town Council is urging those who attended to provide their feedback (form link below) and claimed the day was a “huge success”.
“Welshpool Town Council would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make yesterday’s Welshpool Carnival a huge success.
The day began with a vibrant parade through the town centre at 12 noon, bringing colour and celebration to the streets. The fun continued at Maes y Dre Recreation Ground with a fantastic range of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
Children enjoyed free face painting and balloon modelling, thrilling fairground rides, and an action-packed BMX bike show. Live music and entertainment kept the crowd going throughout the afternoon, while a variety of food and drink stalls offered something for everyone.
We would especially like to thank all our stall holders, performers, volunteers, councillors, council staff, and everyone who came along to support the event. Your energy and enthusiasm made the day truly special.
To help us improve future events, we’re asking all attendees to share their thoughts via our short feedback form https://forms.office.com/e/Jx4JHyjc29.
Feedback will be used to shape future events and will be presented in a report to the Events & Planning Committee in September.
Thank you again for being part of Welshpool Carnival 2025 - we look forward to seeing you again next year!”
What did we think?
It was a fun afternoon, and the organisation was excellent by the Town Council from the road closures for the parade to the management of the Carnival Field, but the general discussion amongst those attending was "where is everyone?".
The Town Council opted not to advertise on MyWelshpool, but there were certainly plenty of social media posts, banners and posters about the town. Perhaps it was the threat of rain, which eventually materialised mid-afternoon, or being held on a Sunday, the day after Llanfair Caereinion?
Nevertheless, there were plenty of smiles and the organisations that backed the Carnival provided lots of energy. It was also good to see the town councillors playing their part and the council staff working hard all afternoon to ensure it went like clockwork.
What's important now is for people to provide genuine feedback. The Town Council wants to listen and work with the community to improve events together, so now is your chance to make a difference to ensure this annual event survives and, hopefully, thrives.
NOTE: All pictures provided by From Above - Drone Photography.
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