MORE than 1,000 people enjoyed the warm weather in Abergavenny on Saturday for the town’s annual carnival and parade - after organisers said it was saved at the last minute.

Hundreds of people lined the town’s streets as a parade made its way through the town centre from Baker Street to Brewery Yard, before finishing at Bailey Park, where the carnival continued into the late afternoon.

Among the entertainment on offer was a display by Ridgeside Falconry and Lurcher Racing, who showed participating children how birds of prey swooped to get their food.

The Rock Choir was also entertaining crowds with various renditions of pop, rock and Motown songs, while children’s activities ranged from bouncing castles to a small circus display. There was also various food and crafts stalls, as well as a team from Gwent Police.

The event went ahead despite fears it would be cancelled due to concerns over road signage.

Chris Evans, chairman of the carnival’s committee, said he was told if road closures were to go ahead, they would need someone accredited to lay down the signs. He said the local authority claimed they had no staff available due to the overtime that was required over the cycling festival last month.

But the event was saved at the death by local contractors ALD Plant Hire and Civil Engineering Surfacing Contractors who agreed to put up the signs.

Mr Evans, who has been organising the event for 14 years, said: “Every year something different crops up and we are forced to deal with it. The contractors saved this year’s carnival event because we were not accredited to put the road signs up.

“All in all I’m really happy and there has been a good turnout. But it’s a shame that there aren’t any more schools coming to the festival. I know it’s a Saturday but I'm not sure if they want a carnival next year? If they do, they should come out and show their support.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have helped out and given their time to make this day happen.”

Abergavenny Mayor Martin Hickman was also at the event and said: “It’s just a handful of people organising it, led by Chris Evans. He has revitalised it and this year has been a struggle with road closures but we are thankful that it was saved at the last minute.”