Who could be a headline act for the carnival?

Welshpool Carnival is still on the lookout for a headline act, as plans for the June 27 event continue to be put into place.

At this week’s Events and Planning Committee meeting, town councillors were updated by Events, Planning and Market Officer, Kimberly Wright, that an encouraging Carnival Committee meeting had taken place.

She presented a list of recommendations that were approved by councillors that included the return of the birds of prey act and a number of inflatables which cover all ages.

A total of 750 beer mats will also be printed and placed into local pubs and restaurants to advertise the carnival.

But with last year’s attendance on the carnival field falling below expectations, there was concern raised that a main act was still not on the bill.

Ms Wright explained that a “strongest man” act was unavailable so the subcommittee was continuing to contact promoters to see what’s available.

“We have got some good things there but my feeling is that we need things happening in the main arena all the way through,” said Cllr William Rowell. “But we seem to be without the main attraction. I don’t think a singer would be the main attraction so we need to find someone who would be the first place on the poster.”

The Mayor, Cllr Phil Owen, added that he would like to see more diversity on the field through different attractions.

Ms Wright explained that one of the main points of feedback was that “there’s not enough to keep people at the field”, pointing out that headline acts in the past were popular, but hadn’t succeeded in keeping people for longer periods.

“The suggestion was to get lots more little things and perhaps have lots on the field for people to get involved with, like tug-of-war for example was a really good idea which doesn’t cost anything,” said Ms Wright.

It was also confirmed that the opening hours of the field will be extended from noon-6pm, with additional two hours attracting more stall holders already.

“I’m very pleased because we have already attracted 22 stalls,” said Ms Wright who will report back with more ideas to the next meeting next month.

PICTURE: Last year's carnival field taken by From Above - Drone Photography.