Huntingdon is awash with colourful characters for return of annual carnival

The carnival court with attendants. (Image: Archant)

The event, which was re-launched last year, started at the George Hotel before parading through the High Street, bringing this year’s theme of animation to life.

The theme gave those who took part a chance to dress up in spectacular and colourful costumes, with both children and adults getting involved.

Former mayor and driving force behind the carnival, Councillor Bill Hensley, said: “It was an absolutely exceptional weekend, I wanted to leave a legacy for the town in my third year as mayor and, with the help of a really fantastic team of people, we have put together the carnival.

“I think last year was such a success that so many people wanted to be part of it. This year we had four times as many people in the procession, the carnival was absolutely rammed full.”

Carnival Queen Abi Walker with attendants, L-R, Lexie Pearce and Cortney Giddings. (Image: Archant)

During the parade, crowds who lined the street were given a real treat with performances from the Caledonian Pipe Band, the Twirlers and Debs Zumba.

Also making a grand entrance was this year’s carnival court, made up of carnival queen Abi Walker and princesses Lexie Pearce and Cortney Giddings, who rode in an ornate carriage to Riverside Park where an afternoon of fun was had by all.

Organisers estimate about 8,000 people attended the event on Saturday, which saw more than 50 stalls offering a variety of fun activities, along with food and drink.

The party atmosphere continued into Sunday with about 2,000 people attending Huntingdon Community Radio’s Live in the Park event.

The parade finished at Riverside Park, in Huntingdon (Image: Archant)

The carnival spirit was sent sky high thanks to a fly by from a Spitfire on both days and a “spectacular” display from a Lancaster Bomber on Sunday.

Plans for next year’s carnival, which will take place on August 11/12, will begin this week, according to Cllr Hensley.

To become a part of the committee or to help out with the preparations to the 2018 carnival e-mail Bill Hensley at bill.hensley@hcrfm.co.uk.

The Huntingdon Carnival parade (Image: Archant)

The carnival was hosted at Riverside Park, in Huntingdon. (Image: Archant)

The Huntingdon Carnival parade (Image: Archant)

Noddy makes an appearance at Huntingdon Carnival (Image: Archant)

The Huntingdon Carnival parade (Image: Archant)

The Huntingdon Carnival parade (Image: Archant)

The Huntingdon Carnival parade (Image: Archant)

Hollie Blow, 4, enjoys the helter skelter. (Image: Archant)

L-R: Michelle Chandler, Sophie Gibbs, Kelly Wall, and Andrea Gaynor - owner instructor of Clubbercise. (Image: Archant)

The Huntingdon Carnival parade (Image: Archant)

The Huntingdon Carnival parade. (Image: Archant)

The mayoress and mayor of Huntingdon, Councillors Sonia and Jay Dyne, with representatives from the Huntingdon and District Caledonian Society; Isabelle Brown, Professor Laurie Boorman and Diana Buchan. (Image: Archant)