OSWESTRY’S big Christmas Parade was certainly an event to remember with a record number of floats and bumper crowds lining the streets.

The parade had more than 50 floats this year and the festive level was off the scale with the streets thronged with merrymakers cheering and clapping as each vehicle went past and the children on the floats giving it their all, singing, dancing, and throwing treats to the expectant crowds.

Border Counties Advertizer: Dapper Dogs. Dapper Dogs. (Image: Borderland Rotary.)

It was, in the words of Borderland Rotary president, Andy Boroughs, a day to remember.

He said: “It’s what wonderful memories are made of.

Border Counties Advertizer: Hope House. Hope House. (Image: Borderland Rotary.)

Andy added: “It made me very proud to be a small part of this great endeavour and I was blown away by the enthusiasm of everyone involved – the clubs, the companies, the children and of course all the people who turned out and gave so generously.

“I do want to thank Councillor Olly Rose, Oswestry town mayor, for working with me to choose the winning floats but I have to say, every float should have won a prize.”

Border Counties Advertizer: The Dance School of Rock.The Dance School of Rock. (Image: Borderland Rotary.)

A spokesman for Borderland Rotary Club added: “Lots of work goes into organising such a large event and few work harder to make it happen than Jonathan Jones who leads a great team from Borderland Rotary Club and beyond.”

Border Counties Advertizer: Border Counties Gymnastics. Border Counties Gymnastics. (Image: Borderland Rotary.)

Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the parade to pass, and were treated to some exceptional designs. Including and old steam engine, Porthywaen Silver Band and Father Christmas in his sleigh.

Border Counties Advertizer: Oswestry in Bloom. Oswestry in Bloom. (Image: Borderland Rotary.)

Oswestry Olympians were there in full kit – albeit over warm clothes – also took part, with many more involved. 

The winning floats were best commercial – Dapper Dogs; best non-commercial – Hope House; best youth – Dance School of Rock; best children’s – Border Counties Gymnastics and best walking group – Oswestry in Bloom.