SUFFRAGETTES, a Gangsta Granny and the badly behaved Ab Fab two, gave women top billing at St Briavels Carnival on Saturday (June 9).

The sun shone for the annual event which saw floats, led by the Women’s Institute, make their way from the Tump alongside the castle, through the village to the playing fields.

The WI’s float celebrated 100 years of votes for women, and was led by Madeline Slater, who was born in 1918, the year votes were granted to propertied women over 30.

Carnival organiser Tessa Charley said: “It was lovely that the village woke to bright sunshine on carnival day. And the sunshine stayed with us and the crowds came out in force to make this year’s event a really special day for our village.

“The procession made its way through the village and was led by ladies from St Briavels WI who were also celebrating 75 years of the WI in St Briavels.

The procession also contained a vintage lorry owned by the Parry family 58 years ago and a rare breed horse.

“The standard of floats and fancy dress this year again was exceptional and our thanks go to all entrants for the preparation, effort and hard work that’s involved.

“It was a tremendous turn out for such a small village and we know the children really enjoy taking part.”

In the float section, first prize and Float section, the winners of the Edward Page Memorial Cup for what Tessa describes as, “their wonderful attention to detail and a very worthy message” were St Briavels Early Years with “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle”.

Second prize went to St Briavels School Key Stage Two pupils with “Journey of the Wye” and third prize was awarded to Key Stage One with “The Seaside”.

First prize in the group entry category and winners of the Janet Parry Memorial Cup were St Briavels WI. In the 11 to18 years category, Penny Adams and Milly Connor won first prize as Absolutely Fabulous characters Patsy and Edina. Noa Chesney took first prize in the seven to 10 age group as Matilda.

First prize in the under seven age group went to George Bird as Gangsta Granny and second prize, and winners of the Dyke Stephens Memorial Cup were Alfie Goodyear and Delilah Chesney as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Third prize went to Bobby Goodyear as the Hungry Caterpillar.

First prize for adult fancy dress went to Gay Jones for her Suffragette costume.

“The family of John Charlton kindly donated a cup in his memory for this year’s carnival,” Tess added. “John passed away earlier this year and was a great supporter of the carnival for more than 35 years, holding the post of treasurer for many years.

“We were fortunate to have sunny weather for the rest of the afternoon and hundreds turned out to support us. We were entertai- ned by Alistair and Janice as “St Briavels Pirates”, Morris Dancers, a Zumba Flash Mob from Wye Valley Zumba and Djabot Drummers.

“The committee would like to thank everyone who helped make the day possible and special thanks go to our helpers, sponsors and those who kindly donated prizes for the raffle.

“The proceeds of this year’s event will be used for the upkeep and improvement of facilities on the playing fields. We do not have a final total at this time, but we anticipate a profit of around £2,500.”