HEREFORD came alive today (August 26) for the rival carnival.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to view the street procession, with many people stood at various points of the river Wye to see the colourful floats.

The former set off from Maylords Shopping Centre at 1pm, with the party continuing through High Town, Broad Street, King Street, Bridge Street, Wye Street and onto Bishops Meadow.

Hereford Times: The street carnival in King Street, HerefordThe street carnival in King Street, Hereford (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Hereford Times: There was plenty of music in the street carnival, including a drummerThere was plenty of music in the street carnival, including a drummer (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Hereford Times: A Tyrannosaurus-Rex was part of the processionA Tyrannosaurus-Rex was part of the procession (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Hereford Times: Boo La Croux and Little Gemz, from Hereford Pride, leading the street carnivalBoo La Croux and Little Gemz, from Hereford Pride, leading the street carnival (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Hereford Times: Beatrice Clother enjoying the street carnivalBeatrice Clother enjoying the street carnival (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Hereford Times: The procession in Broad StreetThe procession in Broad Street (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

There was also plenty to entertain people on Bishops Meadows. 

Four music stages played everything from reggae to rock, while local traders ran stalls throughout the meadows.

Hereford Times: Seb Hughes had a cider and apple juice stall on Bishops Meadow as part of the Hereford Rival Carnival eventSeb Hughes had a cider and apple juice stall on Bishops Meadow as part of the Hereford Rival Carnival event (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

There were also plenty of funfair rides, as well as 'make and take' workshops, dancing displays, an eco-village and fun dog shows. 

The carnival started last night (Friday) with a ‘launch party’, featuring DJs, a fun fair, a performance from the Aspire drama group and a torch-lit procession. That was followed by an illuminated river display and a performance from the Hey Yahs Big Band.

Anyone who missed out on seeing the river floats had a chance to see them again this afternoon (Saturday). Crowds of people waited patiently on both sides of the Old Bridge, along the river banks by the Saracens Head pub, and on Victoria Bridge.

Hereford Times: People on the Victoria Bridge waiting to see the river floatsPeople on the Victoria Bridge waiting to see the river floats (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

The floats were then given the go ahead to start their journey along the Wye shortly after 2.15pm. Around 60 floats were reported to have taken part. 

Hereford Times: Some of the river floats on displaySome of the river floats on display (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

There will be two after-parties this evening (Saturday). One will take place at the Spread Eagle in King Street, which will have live bands, pizza and a barbecue. Admission is £5.

Meanwhile, Babar Café in Union Street will also be holding an evening of drag performances, music and DJs.

 

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