DESPITE glowering clouds and a certain amount of rain, Parkend Carnival and Fete organisers were celebrating this week, after they managed to co-ordinate the event – for the first dry(ish) Bank Holiday Monday for some years.

Carnival secretary Geraldine Brown told the Review: “Well, it was certainly better than last year, in that, by 1.30pm when the procession started, the rain actually stopped, the sun tried to shine, and it turned out to be a lovely afternoon.

“We took around £2,000 on the gate, so we think about 1,000 people turned up. We lost a few stalls because they were worried about the rain, but most did turn up.”

She added: “There were plenty of vehicles in the procession, but the number of walking entries was well down on other years, probably reflecting the weather prospects.”

With music by Pandemonium, the steel pan band based in Coleford, visitors were also treated to a display by dance troupe The Harmony Twirlstars, plus Thai boxing from the Master Sken Academy.

A flaming show by fire-eater Chris Brown, and a musical performance by local singer/songwriters Tom Browning and Christina, rounded off the day.

2015 Parkend Carnival Prize Winners:

Heavy Goods Vehicles: First: Jungle Book (Parkend School), Second: Viva La Wyesham (Wyesham Social Club.)

Light Vehicles: First: Popeye, Second: Ugly Bug Ball, Third: Muppet Street.

Decorated Cars: First: Swan Lake.

Walkers aged up to five years: First: Goldilocks, Second: Scarlet.

Walkers 6-9 years: First: Leo.

Walkers 10-14 years: First: Molar, Second: Man United.

Walkers 15 years and over: First: Keep Death Off The Road, Second: Mini Ha Ha, Third: Something Fishy.

Groups of two or more: First: King and Queen.