THE TENTH Anniversary of Abergavenny Carnival has been voted a huge success by both local residents and hundreds of foreign visitors.

Abergavenny and District Carnival has been doing it's bit for the environment this year and teamed up with Monmouthshire Community Recycling to reduce the carbon footprint in Wales. Recycling bins and Recycling Wardens were provided at all outdoor events, saving the planet one plastic cup at a time.

Commencing on Friday, July 11, local youth theatre group Visions In Glass began the week of celebrations with a bang with the 70's musical Disco Inferno. Full of platform shoes, disco balls and streamer explosions, the 30 strong cast and band danced the night away to classic disco tracks such as Play That Funky Music, Celebration, Hot Stuff and of course Disco Inferno to name but a few!

On Saturday, July 12 the carnival day began with dance troupes in the town centre from Beaupreau, France and Ostringen, Germany who were celebrating the anniversary of their town's twinning with Abergavenny. The longest parade seen in Abergavenny then began at 12pm with fabulous entries, both walking and motorised from local Primary Schools, Sports Clubs and Youth Clubs, not to mention the countless individuals who had dressed up for the occasion.

The day itself was coloured with displays from the Solent Eagles Motorbike Display team with members aging from just five to 18 performing death-defying stunts jumping motorbikes through rings of fire. Tricky Tikes Terrier Racing brought some fun to the arena with man's best friend showing exactly how fast life can be! Abergavenny Junior Gymnastics Display Team also performed in the arena, with Deri View Primary School's Steel-Pan Band performing short sets throughout the day.

Sunday, July 13 saw the first ever "Ultimate Tributes Concert" held at Abergavenny Castle with Abergavenny's own Duanos Eduardo and Keith Davies as Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley, Bungleflint as The Shadows and Ian Anthony as Tom Jones. The crowd also enjoyed the compeering talents of Nick Lewis as he built the perfect atmosphere for "What's New Pussycat", "Sexbomb" and the Welsh National Anthem "Delilah" to sweep across the castle grounds.

Monday saw a quiz at the Hen and Chicks with over 50 people entering teams. Tuesday was the karaoke night at the Kings Head, with music provided by Laney's Karaoke which was enjoyed by a capacity audience. Wednesday was the second annual Pub Treasure hunt with over 20 people entered answering questions in five pubs in the town.

Thursday saw Blaenavon Male Voice Choir return to St Mary's Church with support from Mayzmusik Performing Arts Academy Why Factor Winner Hannah Berney. The evening culminated in a beautifully moving rendition of Amazing Grace from the choir and Hannah.

Friday saw the Carnival Presentations Evening where the winners from Carnival Day were presented with their certificates and shields, then treated to a free party at Abergavenny Labour Club with a disco provided by AM Discos and live from the Skool of Rock. Winners were: Motorised Folats - 1. Ysgol Cymraeg Y Fenni, 2. Cubs and Beavers; Walking Group Entries – 1. Cantref Primary School, 2. Deri View Primary School; Walking Individuals – Mr & Mrs Sharland; Overall Winners – Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni.

The week of events was rounded off by a dance extravaganza provided by students of the dance division at Mayzmusik Performing Arts Academy.

Chairman Chris Evans said, "I would like to thank everyone who has participated in or attended our events this year. It is the support of the local community that keeps our Carnival going each year, and we would never have made it to ten years without the encouragement of Abergavenny. I hope that our local guests and foreign visitors enjoyed the week as much as I did. I must thank my small committee of volunteers who work tirelessly each year to provide you with your community carnival."