TOP Gear’s The Stig made an appearance at the St Ives Carnival and Music Festival topping a weekend of fun and frolics with record numbers in attendance.

Festivities kicked off with Saturday’s carnival which saw floats from St Ives Rugby Football Club, St Ives Fire Station join floats from Thorndown Junior and Primary School, Eastfield School, Wheatfield School and St Ives Sea Scouts for a tour of the town.

The procession started at Hill Rise, before moving down Ramsey Road and towards Warner’s Park.

Scooping the prize for overall winner was the Burleigh Hill Pre-School with their emergency services float.

On Sunday, the entertainment continued with live music in Warner’s Park by Blackdog, Sterling, the Freddy Hall Band, Big Cheese, and Big 10.

Estimates are 12,000 people attended over the two days.

Organiser Sylvia Gawthorp of St Ives Millennium Group said: “It is big and it is getting bigger. People come from a long way away to see it. We had one man come from Wales.

“It is a family-orientated event and it is free. We just ask for donations. All money we get goes back into next year’s carnival.”

The event is supported by St Ives Town Council, but donations and extra pairs of hands are always welcome.

“We are just two of us that organise the event. We do need more people,” said Ms Gawthorp.

Anybody who thinks they can help should call Ms Gawthorp on 01480 350861.