HUNDREDS of revellers filled the sun soaked streets of Melksham to enjoy the spectacle of the annual carnival procession over the weekend.

The carnival, seen as the biggest community event in the town, started preparing in Cooper’s Tire Yard on Saturday (July 23) evening, with 29 entries readying themselves for the route around the town.

Andy York, 63, one of the organisers of the carnival, said: “I am part of the Melksham Memories group and we have dated pictures of the carnival from the 1920s, so it is a popular tradition in the town. It is a very good carnival and we do get a good amount of entries, the one thing we can’t do is make people take part but people seem to love doing it.”

Not just limited to businesses and local community groups, the carnival procession showcased imagination and creativity from the locals as well as drawing a crowd from outside Melksham.

Julie Newble, of Lambrok Close, Trowbridge, and her family paraded down the streets in a homemade pirate ship.

“The girls’ great grandad made the ship for them. Our family is from Melksham and we usually come back to see the carnival. I took part in it when I was a girl and now it is my children’s turn,” she said.

As well as the carnival floats, an abundance of old fashioned and popular vehicles also rolled down the high street including Disney’s own Lightning Mcqueen from the animated picture Cars.

Daniel Phillips, 35, owner of Nortree motors, said: “It is great to get involved with the carnival, it is for a very good cause of entertaining the community, the kids absolutely love it.”

The carnival doesn’t just cater to the people living in the town, drawing in spectators from across the county.

Sara Finnigan, of Chippenham, said: “I lived in Melksham for four years before moving to Chippenham but we always come back to watch the carnival. It is a great event for families to come and enjoy.”

With the amount of people on the streets members of Wiltshire Police were also in attendance and had positive things to say about the day.

Barry Dalton, beat manager in Melksham, said: “It has gone extremely well, it is great to see everyone come out and show their support. I have done it for ten years and it is always a good thing for the town.

The floats were judged at the end of the procession with points being totalled to decide who would be the best in the categories.

Mr York said: “The winners were the Newble Pirates for the best walking group, the 4 Star Dance group for the best performance, the Swordfish Swimming Club for the best float and In2dance for the Royalty’s choice. It was a very rewarding event and all the hard work seems to have paid off. We have already had a lot of positive feedback.”