Thousands turn out for weekend of fun

Entertainers from around the world were on the streets of Shrewsbury for the town's three-day international street theatre festival, including dancers, mime artists, impressionists and bicycle stunt performers.

Organisers were hoping to match last year's attendances when about 30,000 people took to the streets to see the acts perform.

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Simon Airey, who helped organise the festival, said this year's was the best one yet.

"We've had lovely weather and the crowds have been fantastic. The atmosphere has been brilliant and hopefully with the support of the town we can have another one next year and it will be even better."

Meanwhile hundreds of revellers took in live bands and singers including former X-Factor star Laura White in the town's Quarry. The performers took to the stage on Saturday as part of Quarry Fest to help raise money for Hope House Children's Hospice, and other acts involved during the evening included Beatles tribute band Made in Liverpool, the Clocktower and Katie Brisbourne.

Kelly Goodall, who helped organise Quarry Fest, said: "About 900 people were there and it was an absolutely fantastic evening. Everyone who was there loved it.

"The music went on from 6pm to 10pm and there were no issues, everyone who was there had an amazing time."

She added the event would provide a much-needed boost for the charity, which cares for terminally-ill children.

People were able to enjoy activities at a more sedate pace in Maesbury, near Oswestry, where the village's third annual canal festival was held on Saturday and Sunday, raising awareness of the work being done to restore sections of the Montgomery Canal.

The event was opened by Jim Forrester, chairman of the new North Wales and Borders Waterway Partnership of the Canal and River Trust, who joined High Sheriff of Shropshire John Abram MBE and other dignitaries on the new horse-drawn trip boat Duchess of Maesbury. The trip took in a visit to Redwith Bridge.

Colourful parades were held in Wem for the town's carnival, which attracted more than 2,000 people on Saturday. A series of activities were held throughout the day on Wem Recreation Ground and there was also music and a fair. Jessica Walton had her moment in the spotlight as carnival queen while Katie Sayce was the carnival princess and Andrew Weaver the prince.

There were also competitions for the best decorated carriages and floats, with Titanic by The Fox winning best decorated and illuminated float, and China Gang by The Dickin Arms won the decorated small carriage category.

Sue Holliday, carnival secretary, said: "The weather was wonderful and we had people on the streets day and night."

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About 5,000 people descended on Glansevern Hall Gardens in Berriew, near Welshpool, for the final time for the Welsh Food Festival.The hall is being sold, meaning the festival will need to be held elsewhere next year. But people who made the trip were able to see food made by more than 100 local producers, cookery demonstrations, live music and dancing performances.

The 39th annual Llanfair Caereinion Show included horse and livestock competitions, while visitors were also able to take in scurry racing, where solo riders and pairs ride in horse-drawn carriages.

Gwen Buckley, secretary, said: "We had excellent attendance and a lovely dry day."

By Jon Pritchard and Peter Kitchen