Ludlow Carnival returns after 15 years

Ludlow enjoyed its first carnival in 15 years over the weekend.

The eco-friendly carnival with the theme Beautiful Earth brought the town to life with streets awash with bikes, puppets of animals and plants, a variety of innovative floats and the creative talents of school children and local artists and volunteers on display without the need for motor vehicles.

It was the first event which kicked off this year's Ludlow Fringe Festival, an action-packed festival with performances at venues across the town over the next three weeks.

The carnival proved a great appetiser for what's to come with organisers predicting the most successful festival in its 10 year history.

Anita Bigsby, Fringe Festival Director, said: "It was a wonderful sight! We had a good turnout on the parade and the route was lined with people cheering it on. 

"It just goes to show, you don't need cars, lorries or tractors to have an amazing parade and everybody entered into the spirit of the day by helping us get that all-important eco-friendly message across.

"There are a lot of people in town for the festival and it promises to be an exciting three weeks with plenty going on and to look forward to in the days ahead. We have some fantastic, vibrant and diverse events planned for people to get involved with and enjoy."

The three week festival runs until July 10 and features poetry readings, art, comedy, music, magic and a variety of other events to suit all tastes and ages.