HELPED by a sprinkling of sunshine the Penarth Summer Festival went off with a bang last week.

Penarth Town Mayor Councillor Neil Thomas started proceedings with the Clifftop Artists on Thursday July 11 and the inter-school athletic competition took place shortly after in the Athletic Ground. Evenlode School ran out overall winners.

On the weekend the Siren Sisters performed in the Paget Rooms, the Top Flower festival was held in St Augustines, and two great music festivals rocked the town – Penfest at The Kymin on Saturday, and Belle Vue Music in the Park on Sunday.

The annual Holiday Ball in the Paget Rooms was also a success and a good time was had by all.

While the Town Treasure Hunt and Family fun day had much for the children to do with a fun bus, and various other entertainments, along with petanque taster session on the pistes, combining for a wonderful day.

Dan Wilmore and Kerry Baker paddle boarded from Swansea at 3am to Penarth on Saturday and received a huge welcome by onlookers for his charitable efforts.

The Museum of Wales also offered a very informative presentation on the geology of Penarth with many turned away such was its popularity. The second part of the event takes place on the beach this Sunday (July 21).

Deputy town clerk Keri Hutchings said: “The bar has been set very high and we hope to raise it a little further with Carnival Day this Saturday. We have lined up a spectacular day for Penarth that will be the talk of the town.”

Activities start at the Esplanade and Clifftops from 1pm. There will be donkey rides, inflatable go-karts, a static helicopter, emergency services displays, Punch and Judy on the pier and much more.

The centrepiece Downhill Derby kicks off around 4.30pm. Fireworks on the pier will mark the finale.

“This is what makes Penarth not just a beautiful place but the best community in the Vale,” added Keri.

*Participants in the Carnival Day Parade are asked to arrive at West House at 12.45pm prompt.The parade will leave West House for the Esplanade at 1.30pm prompt, in time for the RAF S.A.R Sea-King helicopter display.