CROWDS flocked to a town centre carnival at the weekend.

The annual Offa Carnival took place in Bellevue Park with attractions including a fun fair and stalls.

There was also the PDSA Fun Dog Show, Brickfield Rangers FC under 8s, 9s and 10s five-a-side football contest, birds of prey and falconry display and morris dancing.

Hoola Nation, as well as many charity and community stalls, also produced displays and the  community centre was used to serve refreshments.

Children were able to enjoy donkey rides and face painting as well as Professor Humo’s Punch and Judy show.

One of this year’s new attractions was a small animal petting farm for youngsters with miniature goats, pigs, lambs, an alpaca and miniature pony.

In another new attraction, a circus skills workshop gave people the chance to try their hand at plate spinning, juggling or stilt walking.

Families also enjoyed a ride around the park on the Land Train and watched the falconry displays in the main arena.

The event was organised by Offa Community Council, whose vice-chairman Cllr Alex Jones said: “It was excellent, we had a superb day.

“It was well attended and the weather was on our side.

“We put a lot of effort in to pull it all together, particularly the clerk Karen Benfield.

“There were a few new attractions this year, the petting zoo, the falconry – and the Land Train always goes down well with families.”

He added: “We try to keep it as low cost as posible, for example the donkey rides were 50p, and admission is free for everyone as we want to give something back to the Offa community.

“Each year we try and do something different.

“We’re upgrading the tennis courts and MUGA in Bellevue Park soon so hopefully we can do something different again with them next year.”