AROUND 3,000 people crammed into Monmouth on Sunday (28th July) to watch the colour, spectacle and music that has come to epitomise the town's annual parade. Floats, large and small, lead the walking entries, mostly consisting of Monmouth's cutest kiddies.

Winding their way past the stalls, the procession of walking entries was led by the Severnside Silver Dragons Marching Display Band. The parade then advanced to the festival site for the results of the judging.

The Best Walking group was the Busy Bees; the John Blake Best Individual Walker cup went to Yoda, Lyndon Phillips; the Best Large Float went to the Wyesham Social Club's Pirates; the John Blake Best Vintage Vehicle Shield was awarded to Mike Ward with his 1927 Austin Windsor; Best Small Float was awarded to David Tovey of Mon Teas.

Despite the unsettled weather, the Carnival Committee thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment Monmouth had to offer.

Ena Lightly, Spirit of the Carnival, said: "Ever since I came to Monmouth I fell in love with it, and that was 40 years ago."

All in all a wonderful day for Monmouth town.