The 40th anniversary of the Ross Carnival was another success for the stalwart band of volunteers who spend all year encouraging local people to take part in the procession, or join in with activities on the carnival field.

The Police led the parade, followed by the float carrying the Carnival Princess and her escorts, then, not far behind, was the Ola Samba Band who got the crowd into the carnival spirit.

Ross Preschool Playgroup, as always, had a creative and colourful entry, this year it was based on Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. The Ashfield School Walking Bus created Little Miss and Mr Men characters for their entry, and local businesses and organisations also joined in the fun.

The Drybrook Brass Band were on a float and the Scottish Pipe Band also provided musical accompaniment.

New Street pub, the Horse and Jockey, used a car for their entry based on the pub’s name and they won £100 as the best in their class. Landlord, Michael Hudson donated the winnings to the Ross Action Bus.

The recreation of an original carnival entry depicting a white elephant at the Market House attracted a lot of attention and, together with their stall, raised a lot of money for St Michael’s Hospice.

There were entries from the Community First Responders and the Ross Fire Crew as well as several individual walking entries.

It was decided that The Jonathan Phillips Award should be presented to James Lloyd from Ross Preschool Playgroup for the excellent way he continued to smile and wave at the crowd, all the time he was on the float.

If you missed the parade you can watch our broadcast via our Facebook page.

The full list of prize winners are as follows; Class 1: Ross Preschool Playgroup. Class 3: 1st – EnviroAbility; 2nd – Horse & Jockey; 3rd – Ross & Monmouth Sea Cadets. Class 4: Walking groups 10 persons and over – Joint 1st – Ashfield Park School Walking Bus and The White Elephant; 2nd – Ross Court; 3rd – Bridstow & District Guiding. Class 5: Walking groups 1-9 persons: 1st – Frightmare at Over Farm; 2nd – Security Alarm Services; 3rd - The Batman Family; 4th – Screwfix. Class 6: Classic Vehicles – Vintage Car: Ross Lions Centenary Car. Class 6: Classic Vehicles – Tractor and Trailer: Joint 1st – Ivan James and Mr Seabourne. Walking Solo/Best Homemade Costume: The White Elephant.