The St Ives Carnival and Music has returned with a bang this year as thousands of people basked in the sun and enjoyed a magical weekend of entertainment.

The festival has been a highlight in the St Ives calendar for more than 40 years and has been building momentum since Covid restrictions eased, with this year proving to be one of the biggest yet.

The Hunts Post: Several children's groups performed at the festival and wowed the crowds.Several children's groups performed at the festival and wowed the crowds. (Image: Lamont Images)

From live music, countless stalls, movie screenings, dancing, a funfair, fireworks and more, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Member of the festival committee, Helen Pertoldi, said: "A new committee was formed at the end of 2022, and six volunteers from the local community have spent the last nine months putting their hearts and souls into making this year's event one to remember, reading the feedback on social media, they seem to have succeeded."

The Hunts Post: Fireworks from the carnival and music festival in Hill Rise Park.Fireworks from the carnival and music festival in Hill Rise Park. (Image: Time-Lapse Ltd)

The Hunts Post: Mayor of St Ives, Philip Pope, enjoyed the festival alongside a real-life wookie!Mayor of St Ives, Philip Pope, enjoyed the festival alongside a real-life wookie! (Image: Lamont Images)

The free-to-enter community event took place across three days during the second weekend of July in Hill Rise Park, to the delight of many.

The festival cost approximately £38,000, which was raised through sponsorship from local businesses, donations and grant applications.

The Hunts Post: The Guitart School of Performing Arts, otherwise known as TGS, opened the festival with host Daniella Sydenham-Reed.The Guitart School of Performing Arts, otherwise known as TGS, opened the festival with host Daniella Sydenham-Reed. (Image: Lamont Images)

The Hunts Post: Ice Queen Elsa came on stage to sing Frozen classics for the crowds.Ice Queen Elsa came on stage to sing Frozen classics for the crowds. (Image: Lamont Images)

The festivities opened on Friday evening with princesses interacting with the crowds around the park and live performances on stage, including a performance from Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Mary P singing as Mary Poppins.

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The Hunts Post: Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mary P singing as Mary Poppins.Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mary P singing as Mary Poppins. (Image: Lamont Images)

Encanto was shown on the big screen, and to mark the end of the night, there was a parade to the exit with bubbles and light wands.

The Hunts Post: At the end of the first day of the festival, there was a parade in which children sprayed bubbles and waved wands.At the end of the first day of the festival, there was a parade in which children sprayed bubbles and waved wands. (Image: Lamont Images)

On Saturday, the park opened its gates at noon with the funfair, stalls, food trucks, bars, plus activities and performances in the arena and on stage before the evening was brought to a close with fireworks.

Sunday was the culmination of months of planning and the "much-loved" music festival part of the weekend.

The Hunts Post: Crowds danced the night away to 90s tunes and belted out 'Relight My Fire' as the sunset.Crowds danced the night away to 90s tunes and belted out 'Relight My Fire' as the sunset. (Image: Lamont Images)

The dancefloor was filled with people "loving the fantastic atmosphere", and after a few encores, the crowds eventually made their way home.

To get involved in next year's event, contact the committee at stivescarnivalandmusicfestival@gmail.com.

The Hunts Post: Several Disney princesses interacted with the crowds around the park.Several Disney princesses interacted with the crowds around the park. (Image: Lamont Images)

The Hunts Post: The Sing Space, a musical theatre choir for adults, performed at the festival.The Sing Space, a musical theatre choir for adults, performed at the festival. (Image: Lamont Images)

The Hunts Post: Visitors were encouraged to join in with AG Fitness and Health exercise routines on the second day of the festival.Visitors were encouraged to join in with AG Fitness and Health exercise routines on the second day of the festival. (Image: Lamont Images)