Festive atmosphere at Ellesmere Carnival

Festivities began on Saturday morning as parades of floats filled with fairies, line dancers and other creative costumes, and a pipe and drum band processed through the town to Cremorne Gardens, where there was more entertainment with talls, games and funfair rides.

Despite a wet weather forecast, the sun broke through in time for the first of two parades at 1pm, and the crowds lining the streets showed their appreciation by cheering loudly.

Sarah Cooper and June Duncan took part in the parade on a float with members of Sandra's Line Dancing Group, based in Ellesmere.

"It was hard work, line dancing for an hour and a half, but the crowd was great," Sarah said. "We're local so a lot of people knew us and waved at us when we went past, so we waved back making us forget our steps, but it was a good experience."

Other participants came from much further away. Members of the City of Liverpool Pipes & Drums drove down from the Wirral and Runcorn to march in the parade and perform in Cremorne Gardens.

Pipe Major Dennis Robinson said: "There was a good crowd and the music went down well. We enjoy doing this show, it always brings out the best in the band."

Alan Hinton, secretary of the carnival organising committee, said the committee members were delighted to see so many people enjoying themselves in the town.

Carnival chairwoman Pearl Allum said the day was a great success. "I'd like to thank the brilliant turnout of crowds and thank everyone very much for coming forward to help," she said.