CROWDS flocked to Wootton Bassett High Street to witness a carnival bathed in sunshine.

Hundreds were out in the town for the annual carnival on Saturday, which saw around 20 floats from the traditional to the weird and wacky pass through the town.

Last year’s event was hit by severe rain and wind.

Lining the High Street is a familiar scene in Wootton Bassett, whether it is to witness 15,000 bikers pass through the town or the repatriations.

Despite a lengthy wait for the procession to arrive, spectators seemed determined to enjoy the happy occasion.

The town was decked out specially with colourful bunting and flags.

While some enjoyed ice creams or fish and chips others indulged their children with helium balloons or bubble-makers.

Senior citizens and friends Rosalie Ashcroft and Joan Blankley, both from Wootton Bassett, had both seen the carnival several times.

Mrs Blankley said: “It’s nice to have a happy occasion.

“It has been going several years, it does get better every year and they always have a good turnout.”

Mrs Ashcroft said: “It’s a way of getting together.”

The floats and displays started their long procession from Marlowe Way, turning into Stoneover Lane, then Station Road and finally into the packed High Street.

The journey culminated alongside a funfair at the top of Lime Kiln.

Bands played a variety of popular numbers such as Nelly the Elephant and the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine.

Heading the parade was a police car along with modern and old-fashioned fire engines – sirens wailing, to which some children covered their ears while others waved.

Longleaze School and Nursery had an ‘Under the Sea’ themed float with children and adults dressed up as characters from Spongebob Squarepants and Disney’s Little Mermaid.

An entry that drew much applause and laughter was Bournemouth Carnival Band, dressed as dancing Batmen and the Joker.

Children from the First Wootton Bassett Beavers were dressed up as the Oxford and Cambridge rowing squads, complete with boats.

Some of the wackier entries included men dressed as brides and women dressed as grooms, a man dressed as a dalmatian dog, children dressed as a pack of cards and acrobats.

There were also the traditional carnival queens and princesses.

Jane Voss, 37, of Church Street, Wootton Bassett, was with son Sam, four, to cheer on her husband on one of the floats.

She said: “It’s really good as always.

“It’s just a nice way to celebrate the town, it’s very traditional.

“It has been going on for so long before that it’s just such a good thing to do to get some money for charity and everyone’s happy for a change.”

Wendy and Steve Fear, from Oakhurst, had brought five-year-old daughter Maddie to the carnival.

Wendy, 37, said: “It was great, we had friends’ children in it, that’s why we came.”

And Steve, 40, said: “It was very friendly and the weather held because it normally rains at the Bassett carnival.

“It’s just great that people come out and make the effort.”

Maddie said the band and Spongebob Squarepants were her favourites.

Spectator Dorothy Ponting, from Elcombe, near Swindon, has been five times before and was with her husband and son. She said: “I like coming to support it, I like the Bournemouth Band, they go to other carnivals.

“It’s quite colourful and it’s a good carnival.

“It’s important to keep traditions going, it brings people together – you meet people that you haven’t seen for a long time.”

Kate Smith, 32, and Rob Cuss, 36, had come from Nottingham because Rob’s son Ollie, seven, who lives locally was on the Beavers’ float.

They were with Rob’s daughter four-year-old Maddie.

Kate said: “I thought the band were very fun – it’s a really nice community spirit thing to do.

“When you are at that young age it’s a phenomenal thing to have the chance to be in.

“When I was the kids’ age we always wanted to have a carnival – it used to seem magical and amazing.”

Sally Chapman, 27, from Greenbridge, had brought daughters Natasha, five, and Chloe, seven.

She said: “The kids love it. It could do with a few more floats and activities, but it’s good for the kids. It’s bigger than it was last time.”

Chloe said: “I liked the Rainbows because I go to it.”

Natasha said: “I liked the drums.”