WEM Carnival was an event of celebration in many ways last weekend as revellers enjoyed themselves and its former chairman was remembered.

Clive Shingler passed away weeks before the carnival on Saturday, September 2 which saw the streets and fields of Wem packed with people enjoying the festivities.

Louise Green, new chairman and also entertainment co-ordinator for Wem Carnival Committee, said the day was a huge success, adding that all were delighted to pay tribute to her predecessor.

She said: “Carnival day this year was dedicated to our late chairman Clive who sadly passed away a couple weeks ago.

Whitchurch Herald:

“In his honour we held a minute's applause at the start of the parade and again outside the Town Hall.

“Wem Jubilee Band played 'Bring Me Sunshine' as a tribute to him.

“At the request of his family, Clive's buggy lead the parade carrying a photograph of Clive and the hat he wore each carnival day.

“Carnival day was a huge success and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

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The parade was again centre of attention for all with some fantastic efforts on show, but Louise confirmed the winners for 2023.

She said: “There were lots of floats, bands and dance troupes to entertain the crowds.

“The winner of the Clive Shingler Cup for the Champion Float was ‘Old McClarkson had a Farm’ by Tilley Raven and Friends.

“The winner of the Shingler Family Cup for the Best Float from a Newcomer was Wem Town FC.”

Louise added that donations would be welcome for 2024’s event to ensure it remained of the highest quality.

She said: “This year's gala field was the biggest it has ever been with more than 50 stalls to browse.

“Thanks as always go to all the participants and local hauliers who help by supplying vehicles for the parade.

“This year we have set up a GoFundMe page to help with our ever-increasing costs of putting on the day, which is one of the biggest free events in Shropshire, details of this can be found on our Facebook page or by clicking here.

“All donations will help to secure the future of Wem Carnival.”

Whitchurch Herald:

A spokesman for Wem Town Football Club said they were delighted to have an award.

They posted online: “Look what we won at Wem Carnival for our first-ever float entry. We are over the moon and so happy for this.

“An amazing trophy and £50 for the club. We again want to thank everyone involved in achieving this.”