THE Ledbury Carnival organisers have been out bright and early this morning (August 28) preparing for the annual event to make sure it runs smoothly and enjoyably for all. 

The procession looks set to be larger than in recent years with more floats, three dance troupes including So-Xsighted, a group of blind and partially sighted Morris Men, as well as a new procession class to include dressed mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

The parade will be leaving the rugby club on Ross Road at midday, winding its way up New Street before arriving in the town centre to the delight of the waiting crowd, and travelling on to Ledbury Primary School where the participants will alight.

Visitors will be able to show appreciation of their efforts by putting a few pennies in the collection buckets being carried by participants and their supporters. 

A good mix of stalls are expected including those from new food vendors joining Carnival favourites Joseph Jones with his tasty burgers and Ledbury favourite LDA Meats with their tasty Pork Rolls.

Some new charitable stalls are also expected to display their activities and raise funds beside old favourites, the Hospice Angels, Maritime Cadets and Buchanan Trust.

Raffle tickets will be on sale near the market house between 10am and midday with a large array of prizes donated by local businesses. Just £1 is all you need to be in with a chance of winning.

The Helping Hand Company has been designing, making and funding new brightly coloured signage to provide information regarding the carnival, which will be used for years to come. The printing of the signs was carried out by Office Solutions, based in Worcester.

Clive Isherwood, General Manager of the Helping Hand Company said: "We are very happy to be supporting one of the major events in Ledbury. We know the costs of hosting this event have increased significantly over the last number of years, and is great we can offer some support to ensure this great community event can continue to provide entertainment and enjoyment for many people in the area."

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The flower show, taking place at the community hall in Lawnside, is held in conjunction with the Ledbury Carnival. 

A flower show in some form or another has been held in Ledbury since 1875 except for war and pandemic years. In the early years the show was an annual social event for growers around Ledbury and district to get together and exhibit their produce.

The flower show has grown from those early days into an event that exhibits local talent in many different categories while maintaining tradition.

The show will be open to the public from 12.30pm. Admission will be £1 per person.

As well as viewing all the exhibits on display, there will be a raffle, a stall, teas/coffees and cakes provided by the Ledbury Women's Institute.