Can Welshpool Carnival recapture its former glory?

Welshpool Town Council seems determined to return Welshpool Carnival as the town’s biggest day out of the year following another challenging event this summer.

At this Wednesday’s Events and Planning Committee, a report from a Carnival debrief will be shared with councillors, outlining the highs, lows and recommendations for next year.

Thirty responses from the public to this summer’s event showed that they felt the parade was “underwhelming” with a “lack of floats, music or atmosphere”.

Some described the carnival field at Maes y Dre as “lacking variety, with too many tombola/charity stalls and duplicated food outlets”.

Other criticisms included the afternoon feeling “flat” at times, with long gaps between arena acts and a “poor use of the PA system”.

There were also criticisms of poor marketing and promotion, and a need for more seating.

However, the event was well-organised by the Town Council team and there was praise for the entertaining BMX stunt show as well as the community spirit with the Carnival able to bring the town together.

A number of recommendations will be considered by the committee on Wednesday, including a big push to boost support for the parade, as well as more variety on the field and external volunteer support.

But there is a word of warning from the Town Clerk, Richard Williams, who said at the debrief: “The 2025 Carnival was constrained by the budget which had dropped to a low level compared to previous years (£2,500) and the income target in the budget was not met (about £1,000 was raised).

“Councillors need to consider increasing the net budget in 2026/27 to deliver a high-quality event and expanding fundraising and/or fees and charges.”

June 27 is proposed as the 2026 date, returning to a Saturday in the hope of boosting numbers.

The debrief will be considered by the Events and Planning Committee on Wednesday evening.

PICTURE: From Above - Drone Photography captures the 2025 Carnival field mid-afternoon.