THE strength of Calne's community spirit was on full show on Saturday as the biggest summer carnival for many years hit the town.

Crowds lined the streets as six huge floats and ten walking entries made their way from Bremhill Social Club to Station Road.

The much-anticipated Titan the Robot proved particularly popular with spectators in the town hall car park and on the A4 ahead of the carnival’s arrival.

Town mayor Howard Marshall said: “The carnival was the biggest and best we have had I believe, it was absolutely superb.

“Judging the entries was a hard job because they were all to such a high standard.

“There was a huge crowd all day, people were enjoying themselves and it was a lovely atmosphere.”

Town clerk Linda Roberts praised the Calne community spirit.

She said: “It was a really good day, with an exceptional turnout. I think it definitely helps generate an even closer community spirit.”

Elsewhere, about 150 youngsters, adults and children were at Calne Skate Bowl for its official opening. A ribbon was cut at 1pm by a number of young people who played a part in developing the bowl, the Lions and town mayor Howard Marshall.

Helen Bradley, community youth officer, said: “It was great to see all ages there and people coming from Bristol and surrounding towns and villages to support the bowl opening.”

Young people have spent the past three months planning the event to include music and competitions run by Wheelscape.

Mayor Howard Marshall said: “For three years the youngsters have worked hard as a group to achieve this.

“They have raised lots of money themselves and the Town Council and Calne Area Board have helped out. They are policing it and maintaining it themselves and looking to enhance the facility by putting plants in.”

As well as raising money themselves, youngsters also received a series of grants to help towards the new bowl from the Hills Group through a Landfill Communities Fund, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Community Foundation, Calne Lions, Calne Rotary Club, the Calne Area Board and Calne Town Council. 

Away from the town centre, the Friends of St Mary’s Church had parachuting teddy bears, minions and other children's toys leaping from the church tower as well as a special teddy bears picnic to raise funds.

An Armed Forces parade from The Green to the Beach Terrace celebrated Armed Forces Day in the town.

Carnival Results:

Lorry floats: 1st - Calne Scouts, 2nd - Cherhill pre-school, 3rd - Heddington pre-school

Walking entries: 1st - Sunny Days nursery, 2nd - 4 Stars Dance, 3rd - Calne Players