Laugharne Carnival Mid 1950s

Description

A photo, dating from the mid 1950s, of a carnival held in the grounds of Laugharne Castle whichwas then owned by the Starke family.
In October 1954 a "200 year old cedar tree, 45 feet high and with a girth of 14ft 6 ins"* fell on the chancel roof of St Martin's Church causing considerable damage. For several years afterwards the community rallied together to raise the £5,000 needed to repair the damage. Wooden bowls and candlesticks were made out of the cedar at the local school, logs were sold and many events organised including, in May 1955, a fete with ox roast in the grounds of the castle. This was the first time for many years that the grounds had been open to the community. In the following few years other events, including this carnival, were held there too. Carnivals had been an important part of community life since at least the end of the nineteenth century and are still popular in Laugharne today.
*The Welshman May27th 1955