Glorious sunshine beamed down on the hundreds of people who packed into Porth this weekend to see the animals come marching in.
The town centre’s friendly, close-knit main streets were filled with people of all ages cheering and dancing at the magnificent spectacle of colourful elephants, giraffes, monkeys, peacocks and more marching through the streets.
Accompanied by the sound of music, singing, drums and a samba band, the Carnival certainly was in town in Porth – joined by people from as far as Carmarthen in the West and Cheltenham in the East!
The event was made even more spectacular thanks to the contribution of local residents, especially young people, and businesses.
Funding was secured from the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust to deliver costume workshops for young people, resulting in the incredible outfits paraded through town.
Comic Relief also stepped in to fund dance and drumming sessions for younger residents, which certainly paid off as the atmosphere in Porth rivalled Rio on carnival day.
As well as offering a great day out with spectacular sights to behold, the carnival also offered a fun fair, games, sports cars and F1 insider knowledge from National Motor Sport Week’s Go Motor team, an inflatable assault course, climbing wall, face-painting, hair-braiding, music roadshows and much, much more.
Also hits were the model show in Porth Plaza and the blooming marvellous flower show in the church.
Importantly, it was a chance for the community of Porth to come together and celebrate life in their town for the benefit of everyone who flocked from across Rhondda Cynon Taf to enjoy the day.
Businesses threw open their doors and many manned stalls and activities on the pavements to add to the spirit of the carnival.
The event was made possible thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust, Comic Relief, Communities First in Trealaw, Ynyshir and Wattstown, Cymmer, E3+ Porth County Community School, Porth and District Chamber of Trade and South Wales Police.
Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: “Porth Carnival gets bigger and better every year and 2011 was definitely a sight to behold.
“It was wonderful to see so many people from all walks of life flock to the town to not only have a fantastic day out, but also to enjoy a showcase of Porth town centre and what it has to offer.
“The magnificent carnival certainly added to the atmosphere, but all those who attended on the day need to remember the friendly welcome they received from Porth on July 2 is on offer every day!”
Ian Howells of the Porth and District Chamber of Trade added: “It was a proud moment for Porth to see the hundreds of people dancing and joining in the spirit as the carnival came to town.
“This incredible event was only made possible thanks to the huge efforts of all of those mentioned above and we were pleased to be able to celebrate our town and what it has to offer on such a bright summer’s day.”
For more information on Porth, visit www.porth.biz
