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Procession and family event mark carnival's return

Clare Lissaman
BBC News, West Midlands
Shropshire Festivals A man and woman on stilts standing on a road with a crowd of people lining the streets. The performers are wearing red, white and black outfits and smiling at the camera. Shropshire Festivals
The last carnival two years ago attracted thousands of visitors, said the town council

A town is ready for the return of a "beloved" carnival which features free children's activities and a colourful procession, said organisers.

People can line the streets for Oakengates Carnival in Telford on Saturday and enjoy a parade with performers and vintage vehicles between 11:30 BST and midday.

The procession, which involves some road closures, is followed by a family fun day at Hartshill Park until 19:00. Attractions include alpacas, circus skills, an inflatable assault course and entertainment on the music stage, said Shropshire Festivals.

Oakengates Town Council said it asked the group to run the event again after the success of its last carnival in 2023.

Shropshire Festivals A photo from the 2023 event which shows the back of a man who is playing a guitar and wearing a baseball cap and patterned shirt which had colourful shapes on it. In front of him, people are sitting on the grass or on deckchairs which are pink and blue striped. There is a colourful teepee style tent in the background. Shropshire Festivals
There will be variety of acts on the music stage

"Shropshire Festivals delivered a fantastic event back in 2023, which attracted thousands of visitors, said the town's mayor, councillor Stephen Reynolds.

He added "excitement was building in the town" ahead of the return of the "beloved Oakengates Carnival".

"We can't wait to host a free, family day of fun for our community and show visitors just how much our great little town has to offer," Reynolds said.

He added it was a chance for the community "to celebrate the summer together".

Last summer, due to financial considerations and redevelopment in the area, the town council said it decided to support businesses with an "enhanced high street celebration", instead of a carnival.

Shropshire Festivals A vintage car with grey and black markings and union flags in the front. A crowd of people are surrounding the vehicle. Shropshire Festivals
This year's parade will again feature vintage vehicles

This year's music stage includes entertainment from choirs, community groups and local bands - Something 4 The Weekend, Wired 2 Party, and Groove Dynamite.

Beth Heath, from Shropshire Festivals, said they had lined up free activities for "a full day of entertainment for the whole family" and thanked the event's sponsors, including Kraft Heinz in Telford.

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