THE annual Pontypool carnival moved into the town centre today - bringing thousands of people onto the streets across the five hours of entertainment.
Previous events have been held in the park, but moving the action into the centre appeared to pay dividends, with stalls and attractions busy, and the music and dance stage providing a variety of well received acts.
The aim has been to make better use of spaces such as Crane Street, George Street, and Market Street, and the carnival theme this year has been Viva Pontypool!, celebrating both the town's past and the completion of the £10 million Pontypool Settlement Area project.
The town centre location for this year's carnival was also intended to provide a boost for existing businesses.
Children’s rides and street entertainers also played a big role in the carnival, and the newly refurbished Market Hall was a venue for some of the entertainment.
Among the attractions was a hat making workshop for children, and a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, 
"It's been great, a really good day," said Heather Morgan, who lives in Blackwood but is originally from Pontypool and was at the carnival with daughter Ellie, aged four.
"It's good to see the town centre busy again. I haven't seen it like this for years, and the market is looking good."
The carnival was organised and supported by Torfaen council and Pontypool community council.