THIS year’s Carnival Day, a part of Penarth Summer Festival since 1965, was a fitting tribute to its 50-year history.

Thousands of visitors from Penarth and further afield spent the day enjoying the sunshine and entertainment on The Cliff Top, The Esplanade and The Pier.

Stalls ranging from the RNLI to the Fig Tree, from Penarth Town Council to stalls selling food, beer, cuddly toys and other interesting items.

The Clifftop artists were also on hand to exhibit their fine and varied work.

Various performances rocked the stage including Lewis Clayton and the Cyclones, the John Lewis trio, Marconi Beach Sound, and Fun House.

The RNLI put on a training display in their vessel where they showed people how their equipment works and the procedures they go through.

Much excitement was based around the bottom of Cliff Hill around 4pm as the Downhill Derby drew ever closer as it returned from a one-year absence.

More than 2,000 people gathered to see 25 homemade karts race down the course in an attempt to be crowned the winner.

In the Under 12s category, the title was taken by Evan Morgan driving Cardiff Gas Kart. SMS Window Cleaning took first in the Under 16s race with their kart piloted by Matthew Cooper.

Best Kart was awarded to the vehicle that attracted the biggest cheer from the crowd, ‘Pigasus’, driven by a butcher, but the overall winner was Steve Thomas driving C12, which reached speeds of 40mph through the course.

Local band, Session, rocked the evening crowed before the annual celebration was seen out in style with a firework display over the Bristol Channel, launched from the end of Penarth Pier

The day was described by some as “the best ever” and Penarth Town Council looks forward to seeing everyone again next year.