VILLAGERS welcomed back their carnival for the first time in more than 25 years with a brilliant turn out.

Many of the older residents who attended the Littledean Carnival recalled the event in yesteryear.

And such was the success of the relaunched event on Saturday, August 31, the organisers have already announced it will return next year even “bigger and better”.

The day kicked off with a procession that started off at Littledean Primary School and travelled through the village via Broad Street, before arriving at its destination at the football field.

The decorated float that travelled through the village had around 50 walkers alongside it, with street performers, the local church, and pupils from the primary school dressed up in an array of colourful costumes.

Local businesses joined in too and took part to lead the float, including Court Farm Garage, Mad Nana’s Tearoom, the Belfry Hotel and R J Hatch Motor Mechanics and Agricultural services.

Nikki Haydey, one of the carnival organisers said: “There was an absolutely brilliant turnout.

“The streets were packed full all day – next year we’re going to make it bigger and better.”

There was plenty to do throughout the day to keep the crowds entertained, with a range of stalls such as Great Oaks Hospice, selling new goods from their Mitcheldean charity shop, chocolate, sweetshop and candy floss sellers, arts and crafts, knitted goods, funfair rides and bouncy castle slides.

All funds made by the event stalls were donated to Littledean School.

The carnival organisers have already confirmed it will be held again on August 22 next year, and have high hopes that the village carnival will have many more years of success.