An 8ft tall robot which played music and squirted water at showgoers played a big part in ensuring Knighton’s annual show and carnival was a huge success.
Titan, a fully articulated interactive robot, was followed by youngsters around the showground as it played Chris De Burgh’s Lady in Red to a woman wearing red and sang I’m Singing in the Rain as it showered people in spray.
The stunning Black Eagles troupe of acrobats from Tanzania returned to Knighton for their second visit and thrilled the crowds again with their fantastic routines.
The carnival theme of A to Zee of TV sent everyone’s imaginations into overdrive as some amazing costumes took part in the grand procession. The bouncy castles, free donkey rides, demonstrations by the fire service and a flyover by Wales Air Ambulance all helped to make the day a very special one.
There was a spectacular show of horticulture, floral and handicraft exhibitions, vintage cars, equine competitions and a dog shows.
The ever popular Shire Horse competition, attracting more entrants from all over the country than ever before, reinforcing Knighton as the biggest heavy horse show in Wales.
Dressed in their traditional harnesses and brasses, the amazing animals formed a colourful and spectacular part of the midday procession.
This year’s show also saw a performance from the Knighton’s Got Talent competition winners as well as music from the Newtown Youth Marching Corps, jazz bands and Knighton Town Silver Band. Entertainment was also provided by George Orange, who has trained extensively in clowning, mime and circus. Despite his PA system breaking down during his first show, George carried on with a non-verbal performance witnessed by a massive crowd.
In addition there axe racing, tug of war competitions, five-a-side football, inflatables and, new for 2010, the XTreme Trampoline.
Show and carnival secretary Andy Price said: “Every year people say it was the best ever carnival procession and it’s becoming a hard act to follow. This year the standards of costumes got so high, it’s getting increasingly difficult to judge. There was everything from Peppa Pig to Pirates of the Caribbean.
“In the show, Titan was probably the highlight of the day; he was fabulous the way he interacted with the crowds, and the Black Eagles acrobat group were very good.
“The horticultural and craft section entries were up by 300 on last year, which is phenomenal, and Wales Air Ambulance had a mock helicopter on the showground, but we also had a flyover by the helicopter as it went back to Welshpool.
“In the evening we had two dances, at the community centre and the newly re-opened Knighton Hotel and both were really busy, and it culminated with the firework display. All in all it was a great day.”
PICTURE: The Richardson-Morris family entry from Laurels Meadow, comprising Elisha, Glyn,Teddy and Alfie.
Picture by: Ernie Husson
DON’T FORGET: You’ll find more of Ernie’s pictures from the carnival, and Roger Bright’s showground pictures, in this week’s Mid Wales Journal, on sale now.