Annual horse parade draws crowd to Newport
[gallery] Horses and ponies trotted along Newport's cobbles in an annual carriage parade. Sixteen horses and eight carriages set off after the arrival of the Albrighton Hunt on Boxing Day.
Members of the British Driving Society, formerly the Newport & District Driving Society, paraded along St Mary's Street and High Street before heading to the The Fox in Chetwynd Aston for sherry and mince pies.
They set off at roughly 11.30am, and organiser Ursula Dobrowolska said: "Our parade in Newport was once again very successful.
"This event has been going on for more than 30 years and our members look forward to it every time because we always have a very big crowd who stay and watch us following the hunt.
"This year was another great occasion. We had some splendid costumes and horses on show.
"Four horses travelled from Wolverhampton for the very first time after they heard about us. We got a wonderful reception from the crowd – there was lots of clapping and cheering so it was very enjoyable."
Mrs Dobrowolska said dry, mild weather added to the occasion.
She said: "We were very lucky with the weather. You're always worried that it might rain so it was absolutely great that we had a mild, dry day. All of us at the British Driving Society are now busy planning for next year's event."
Clare Edwards watched the parade with her daughters Eve, six, and Sarah, 10.
She said: "We live about 15 minutes away, so it's nice to have a walk into town, burn off a few Christmas calories and watch the hunt and parade."
