Builth Wells Fest Carnival week began on Sunday, 14 June, with the Family Car Treasure Hunt, starting at Builth Cattle Market and finishing at The White Horse.

It was a fantastic way to launch Carnival Week, with families and friends travelling around the local area, solving clues, hunting treasures, and enjoying a bit of friendly competition along the way.

From there, attention turned to this year's Carnival Craft Competition. The theme was Superheroes, and the creativity on display was outstanding. From paintings and masks to decorated biscuits, poems, and artwork, the children and adults of Builth Wells once again showed just how much talent exists within our community.

At the same time, businesses and residents across Builth Wells and the surrounding area transformed their windows with colourful superhero displays, bringing the Carnival theme to life throughout the town.

The High Street Treasure Hunt saw children searching shop windows for hidden superheroes before settling down for story time with the wonderful librarian, Trish Thomas, on the Groe on a beautiful summer evening.

Tuesday brought the children's races, with a fantastic turnout and plenty of smiles. Organisers extended a huge thank you to the local Fire Service, whose interactive water games were a massive hit with the youngsters.

Later that evening, the local running club organised a fantastic Family Fun Run, finishing at the football club.

Wednesday saw another brilliant Music Quiz hosted by Lee at the Rugby Club — a well established and much loved carnival tradition.

Thursday was Bingo Night at The Greyhound. The Bingo Night proved to be another great community evening enjoyed by all.

A new course, packed crowds, people watching from windows, and supporters cheering every team on. Organisers extended a huge thanks to all the pubs for their continued support, every team that took part, and all the marshals and spectators who helped make it such a success.

The new route proved a great success, with spectators lining the streets and cheering competitors all the way around the course before the finish at Builth Wells Football Club.

What a day!

The Carnival Queen, Poppy-Anne Ward, was crowned by last year's Queen, Chelsea Jones, attended by Oscar, Isla Jones, and Harriet Grace.

Following the judging for Best Fancy Dress, Individuals, Small Groups, and Floats, the Grand Carnival Procession made its way through town with pavements packed with spectators. Superheroes were everywhere, and the creativity, colour, and effort that went into the costumes, floats, and displays was incredible.

The wonderful Paws for Thought Dog Display Team entertained the crowds, while the Wye Valley Axe Men showcased their skills. The Tug of War brought plenty of competition and laughter throughout the afternoon.

There was fantastic artwork from local children on display, along with donkey rides, raffles, inflatables, face painting, creepy crawlies, stalls, and community groups.

A spokesperson for the carnival committee said: “A massive thank you to Gino for supplying the ice cream van, which seemed to have the longest queue in Carnival history; to Sarah for supplying the burger van that kept everyone's energy levels up; and to Penmaenau Bars for keeping the thirsty adults refreshed throughout the day.

“This year's theme was Superheroes, but the real superheroes were the volunteers, families, businesses, and community groups from Builth Wells and the surrounding area who gave their time, energy, and creativity to make Carnival Week happen.

“See you all again next year!”

Car Treasure Hunt

1st The Minstrels 60 points

2nd The Not Sures 59 points

3rd Buffy's Babes 58 points

Fancy Dress: Individual aged 4 and Under:

1st Ella Price

2nd Marlie Owen

3rd Roxy Swann

Groups aged 4 and Under:

1st Luca Claridge and Macsen Davies - Batman & Robin

2nd Louie Hughes and Albie Jarvis - Robin & Batman

3rd Toy Story

Individual aged 5 - 7

1st Oscar Wells

2nd Lily Turner

3rd Oscar Gwillym

Individual aged 8 - 11

1st Sydney Chester

2nd Seth Price

Joint 3rd Cameron Hallet and Scott Hallet

Groups aged 8 - 11

1st Stanley Chester and Ozzy Jarman

2nd Butterflies

3rd Amelia and George Davies

Individuals over 16

1st Shelia Thomas

Groups over 16

1st Super Mums

Best Overall Fancy Dress - Oscar Wells SpongeBob SquarePants

Floats

Childrens:

1st David Attenbourgh

2nd Noah's Ark

3rd Eras Tour

Adults:

1st Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2nd Western Grove

3rd Builth Ladies Choir

Best Overall Float - David Attenbourgh.

Tug of War:

1st Must be True

2nd Super Mums