MALMESBURY Carnival concluded at the weekend with its incredible annual procession through the town.

Thousands of residents lined the streets on Saturday.

Residents of all ages dressed up and took part in the event, which saw a variety of creative floats parade through the town centre.

The procession started at 6pm on Park Road, before heading through Malmesbury, finishing at Cross Hayes Lane.

Cups were also awarded for the best floats in the procession.

The group 1 winner for best motorised vehicle was Crudwell C of E Primary School with their Troy float.

Gill Smith and friends and family placed second with the Abbey Flyers with their Under the Sea entry finishing in third place.

In the group 2 category for best walking groups, it was Athelstan Players who came out on top with 80 Years Young.

K & S Childcare were runners up with their Thanks for the Memories entry with Athelstan Museum and Star Beavers finishing in third with their entry All Aboard for Weston. The final category was group 3, best individual walkers and mobility scooters. Cynthia Rawston was victorious with her Queen of Hearts entry, narrowly pipping Jennifer Woodcock as Tiger Woman and Norman Hunt, as The Lion King.

Malmesbury mayor Fran Vandelli said of the procession: "The Carnival Procession was the culmination of a wide range of excellent fundraising activities all through August, much of which was covered on our brilliant Malmesbury Carnival Community Radio Station - it’s a 'Flying Monk' Community Project.  

"For a town the size of Malmesbury the extent of the Carnival programme is extraordinary and we owe a huge thanks to the Carnival Committee and volunteers (all of them local residents) who work so hard.  

"It was a real pleasure to walk in the procession amongst all of the colourful floats and fantastic costumes - people are so creative and clever.  

"I’m just glad I didn’t have to judge the winners, I wouldn’t have known who to choose."

Deborah Clogg, chair of the carnival committee added: "Malmesbury Carnival Committee members were delighted to have an increase in entries for the second year running, and there was a fantastic range of ideas and execution on display.

"The weather was kind and the spectators and participants all seemed to have a great time; we have certainly had positive feedback.

"The Committee work hard all year to bring the procession and other events to the town, and our many friends and stewards offer invaluable support.

"A number of Committee members are standing down next year and we hope that other people will step forward to run Carnival and ensure that the town continues to enjoy it into the future."