CROWDS turned out in their thousands for a night of music and lights at Trowbridge carnival on Saturday night.

Floats of all shapes and sizes flooded through the streets of the town and with dance groups, bands and majorettes.

With lots of entries being local groups and individuals, there was a real presence of community spirit.

Mary Rose Mantle, chairman of the carnival committee said: “Saturday night was absolutely brilliant, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.

“We had so many entries, the whole of Canal Road was jam packed, and so many of the entries were from local people which was really great.

“The crowds were fantastic and where cheering and clapping all night.

“It was so good to see so many people of different ages and so much laughter in the streets.

“The bucket collectors were also great, we had a nice amount of volunteers, mums with push chairs even helped out.”

Dilton Marsh resident Gwenda Noakes has coordinated the Trowbridge Majorettes at the carnival for the last 40 years, and this year was her last.

She said: “We started the group to give girls a hobby and also exercise, the boys would play football but there wasn’t much for the girls.

“It also kept them off the streets,we have ladies who are over 30 who are have been with us since they were little.

“I have seen girls join us as children and grow up in the Majorettes and have children of their own who have joined us.

"I used to be on the floor with the girls and help them out when they needed it.

"I would maybe do a cartwheel or a teddy bear roll and then say to them that if Granny could do it then they can do it.

“It has been lovely being with Majorettes and I will really miss it, but as my health isn’t 100 per cent and I am almost 70, I want to take some time for myself.”

Preparations and planning for next year’s carnival will be soon be underway.

Mrs Mantle added: “We are excited for the 2019 carnival and are the committee are going to start planning very soon, it is an ongoing thing and as soon as one carnival is done we start again.”