Thousands of people enjoyed the sights and sounds of Trowbridge Carnival on Saturday evening.

The colourful procession, of 64 entrants, brought a crowd of about 15,000 to the town centre, with organisers saying the carnival was one of the best Trowbridge had ever seen.

Maryrose Mantle, the carnival committee chairman, said: “There were so many people out on the streets. I think we had more spectators than last year and all the entrants thought the crowd were just wonderful.”

Floats were designed by groups including Active Trowbridge and Hope Nature Centre. Staff from Trowbridge’s new Odeon cinema, which is opening in St Stephen’s Place today, gave out vouchers to the crowd.

Mrs Mantle said: “It was an ideal opportunity for them, a week before opening, to come and say hello to the town. We are looking forward to working with them for years to come.

“The carnival is such a great event, which brings the town together, and I was so pleased we had 17 traders getting involved this year.”

Attractions included a fun fair along Court Street. James Edwards, 34, of Westbury, was there with wife Jennifer, 32, and their children, Sam, five, and Emma, three.

Mr Edwards said: “We’ve been coming to the carnival for the last few years. It is fantastic family fun and the kids love seeing the shiny floats and wonderful outfits.”

Mrs Mantle said many entrants had already signed up for next year’s carnival.

She said: “The carnival is something for all the community and it was great to see local people coming together.

“Our committee deserve a lot of praise as, without them, the carnival could not run.”

Carnival Results -

Class Awards:
* Trade: 1 Hope Nature Centre; 2 Bounce-a-Roo Princess; 3 Odeon Cinemas

* Individual Masquerader (under 16 open): 1 Ink Cap Mushroom – Lottie Wheeler; 2 Super Tiger – Milo Davison

* Individual Masquerader (over 16 open): 1 Firebird – Natasha Shaw; 2 Rio Carnival at the Movies – Roger Muspratt-Hamilton 3 Butterfly Frenzy – Ann Cook

*Group of Masqueraders with vehicle/small trailer:1 Festival of the Dragon –En-Spired CC; 2 Grandma’s Feather Bed – Storm CC; A Little Moist – Mojo CC

* Group of Masqueraders with wheeled props:1 Guardians of the Pearl – Next Generation CC; 2 Lumberjacks – Burrow Comedians JCC; 3 Trowbridge Sea Scouts

* Group of Masqueraders Open: 1 Cosmic Sparkle –Star-Delights CC; 2 It’s Christmas – Little Leggs CC; 3 Infinity Dance Team

* Group of Masqueraders Local 1 Trowbridge Majorettes; Booiaja By – Ultra Dance; 3 the Howes Girls

*Local Float: 1 Hungry Horse; 2 Trowbridge Pole Dancing

* Feature Float – Open:1 Who You Gonna Call – Hot Rock CC; 2 Cherokee – Muppets CC; 3 Alice in Wonderland – Pig and Whistle CC

* Youth Float – Open: 1 Kipling Juvenile Carnival Club

* Tableau – Open: 1 Magnum Carnival Club

* Comic Float – Open: 1 Pirates of the Curried Beans – Cary Comedians CC; 2 Clowning Around – Revellers CC

Special Awards -

* Spectators’ Choice: Ink Cap Mushroom – Lottie Wheeler

* Best Dressed Entry (Moonraker’s Trophy): Guardians of the Pearl – Next Generation CC

* President’s Trophy: Firebird – Natasha Shaw