THE St Ives Carnival weekend has been hailed as one of the most successful ever after thousands of people took to the streets. Organiser Shaun Collins said he thought the increased turnout might be linked to the demise of carnival processions in St Neots

THE St Ives Carnival weekend has been hailed as one of the most successful ever after thousands of people took to the streets.

Organiser Shaun Collins said he thought the increased turnout might be linked to the demise of carnival processions in St Neots and Godmanchester.

He told The Hunts Post: "It was an absolutely fantastic turn out - the biggest I have seen in the time I have been involved.

"We had extra floats turn up to join the carnival procession that we hadn't been expecting and there were people there from all across the county."

Saturday saw the carnival procession make its way through the town, while Sunday saw the traditional music event at Warners Park, with thousands attending on both days.

The children of Thorndown School were awarded the prize for the best float, while there were plenty of outlandish costumes on display.

Mr Collins, known as Moonie, added: "I would like to thank everyone involved in the running of the carnival and the Mayor and Mayoress, who got into the spirit of the event.