THE streets were packed on Sunday as people watched the Winsford Carnival parade in glorious sunshine.
Organisers have hailed the event as a huge success with thousands of children and their families taking part in a memorable occasion.
The parade, which started at Woodford Lodge High School and finished at Verdin field, was cheered all along the route by people revelling in the carnival atmosphere.
Organiser Yvonne Marriot said: “The weather certainly helped us a lot and contributed to what was a huge turnout.
“It is great to see so many people coming out and joining in the carnival because it is a very important event for the town.”
The carnival continued on the Verdin field with a fun fair, car boot sale and many other fun activities. Yvonne said: “It was such a huge success for us because a lot of the things like the car boot sale took place for the first time this year.
“But at the end of the day the event is for the children and it was fantastic to see them dressed up and enjoying themselves.
“They worked very hard preparing for the carnival and I’m delighted with them all.”
Yvonne is now hopeful the carnival will continue to be enjoyed by people for years to come.
She said: “It does fill you with confidence that the carnival will get better and better each year.
“I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped put this day on because without their help the carnival would not have happened. I would also like to say thank you to the police who did a fantastic job making sure everyone had an enjoyable and safe time.”
SPECIAL GUESTS: Miss Vale Royal, Lisa White, 18, enjoys the carnival sunshine with her deputy Michelle Holland, 23. s053012
HELPING OUT: Kirsty Howard, who is terminally ill with a rare heart disease, was not well enough to attend the carnival but her sisters Zoe, 16, and Kim, 13, were there to raise awareness for her appeal from the roof of a limousine. c053020
MAJESTIC: Winsford Carnival Queen Claire Musgrave, 13, stands with retiring Carnival Queen Sarah Bason, 14, shortly before the crowning ceremony. s053010
WALK TO THE BEAT: The 2nd Altrincham COY led the Carnival parade through the Winsford streets. c053021
CARNIVAL RHYTHM: The Silver Star Line Dancers took part in a musical extravaganza aboard their float. s05301
BALANCING ACT: The crowds were amazed by the sensational acrobatics of the dance troupes as they made their way through the town centre. c053011
SUPERHEROES: Dylan Slatford, eight, and Ross Murray, five, take a well earned break from their roles as The Incredibles to sample the carnival fun. s053017
SHINING EXAMPLES: Children from various youth organisations did the town proud as they cruised through the streets on their float. s053018
POTTY: Malcolm Cowen, 30, had a blooming marvellous time at the carnival dressed as Ben the flowerpot man although Bill was nowhere to be seen. s053019
TRYING THEIR LUCK: Opal and Levi Hulse attempt to hook a duck on one of the many stalls. s053028
TRYING THEIR LUCK: Opal and Levi Hulse attempt to hook a duck on one of the many stalls. s053028
MEMORABLE YEAR: Retiring carnival princess Danielle McGlynn, 13, sits on her float with rosebud Jessica Newton, eight, rose queen Darcie Copnall, eight, rosebud Bryony Copnall, eight, and fairy queen Becky Cowen, six, who are also retiring from their positions. s053030
TRAVELLING IN STYLE: Winsford Town Mayor Tony Hooton cruises through the streets during the carnival parade. s053022
Samantha Mainwaring, 12, sits proudly aboard her float as Cheshire County Junior Queen. s053023
SPECIAL MOMENT: Cheshire carnival rosebud Katie Walton, six, waves to the huge crowds. s053029
SOAKING UP THE SUN: Children and volunteers on the Surestart float spend a quiet moment in the sunshine before the parade begins. s053016
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