SOME 30 floats, thousands of visitors and a huge array of entertainment and stalls made the 2018 Ross Carnival one of the best for years. 

Carnival spokesman Andrew Buffery said: “The sun was a great help but we had worked very hard to bring the community together.” 

The run-up to the carnival saw hours of effort creating floats and costumes, and for the second year running Ross-based windows company Rehau sponsored a colouring competition for the carnival guide. 

Leading up to the carnival, Wyldwood Arts ran a children’s mask-making workshop at the Larruperz Centre, while the carnival’s arts group held a session at the community venue to make a giant Spike the punk hedgehog for the parade. 

The colouring competition was won by Martha Arbourne who won an iPad engraved with her name and her winning design – which featured Spike – was used on the front page of the carnival programme. 

Ross Carnival can trace its long history all the way back to 1883, 135 years ago, but it has become a firm first Saturday of August tradition since 1977. 

Among the attractions this year were the AW Parker Drybrook Brass Band – a firm favourite with carnival goers for years – Ola Samba, who were joined by local group Strictly Samba, Ross-on-Wye’s most famous donkey, Mo, the Broomy Hill Railway, the Dolloway Dancers, Tina Jones, Dance Your Way, birds of prey and Danter’s Fun Fair. 

There was also music from OCD and Mastaplan Sound System. 

Some 200 people took part in the parade, which started at the Ashburton Industrial Estate and did two circuits of the town centre before finishing at The Ropewalk carnival field. 

The parade was judged by committee members of Ruardean Carnival. 

Mr Buffery said: “It is really useful to have those sorts of links, because it means we can swap ideas and contacts.” 

There was also free parking in Herefordshire Council car parks thanks to sponsorship by three local companies – Parry’s estate agents, Peter Hickman hairdressing and Weston’s Cider. 

Mr Buffery added: “We want to make as much as possible of our wonderful, independent traders in Ross, and this fantastic sponsorship helps to do that.” 

The carnival is organised by a small committee and there is only a short break before planning starts for next year’s event starts. 

The first meeting will be held in the autumn and new faces on the committee would be welcome.

Go to www.rosscarnival.org.uk or search for Ross-on-Wye Town Carnival on Facebook for details.. 

The parade winners were: Class One (articulated vehicles) 1: Ross Pre-School Playgroup, 2: Mizz Twisted Cherry. Class Three (small floats): 1: Envirobility Can Do Crew, 2: Marine Conservation Society, 3: YR Yates. Walking group of more than 10: 1: Strictly Samba, 2: Ross Court, 3: Ross and Monmouth Sea Cadets. Class Five (walking group of fewer than 10): 1: Chrissie Ellis, 2: Halo Leisure, 3: Ukoyd. Class Six (classic vehicles): 1: Martyn Jenkins, 2: Ivan James, 3: Bill Bufton. 

Best costume: Chrissie Ellis. Overall winner Chrissie Ellis. Jonathan Phillips Memorial Trophy: Zee Milinczuk-Boyd.