A CARNIVAL on Halloween failed to scare off the crowds in Warminster on Saturday night as thousands lined the streets to see the annual event.

On a rare dry evening for the carnival, ten big floats and plenty of enthusiastic performers brought music, dancing and bright lights to the streets.

The procession left the intersection of Prestbury Drive and Boreham Road at 7pm before making its way through to the Obelisk at the junction of Silver Street and Vicarage Road.

The Majorettes led the way before the Warminster Town Mayor Sue Fraser, the carnival royalty and the Wessex Queen followed suit.

Many community groups and clubs also got involved, including Infinity Dance Group, Warminster RFC, First Warminster Brownies, in addition to the larger carnival clubs from further afield.

Carnival committee chair, Sandra Major, said: “It went very very well, it was a nice and dry evening which helped. It was very good that a lot of people, because of Halloween, had dressed up which is nice even the crowds were in fancy dress.

“We lost a couple of Majorettes because of Halloween but I don’t think the crowds was affected. I think a lot of the youngsters went and did trick or treating early so they could attend the carnival.”

At first count, the carnival raised just shy of £3,000 for local charities. The charities which will benefit will be decided at the carnival committee’s AGM in the coming months.

There was local success for the Warminster Royal British Legion and Army Cadet Force with their ‘May the (Cadet) Force be with you’ float in the class five local feature category, while the Warminster Wobble topped the non-motorised category.

Ted Wilson, of Warminster Royal British Legion, said: "I enjoy it, its hard work doing it but I have got a couple of Legion members joining me."

Temple of Light by Hot Rock Carnival Club picked up first prize in the class one (open) feature category with their oriental themed float while The Smugglers Haunt by Magnum Carnival Club won the class two (open) tableau category.

Warminster Lions secretary, Nick Humpherson, said: "It's a great event and the Carnival committee do a brilliant job. It's a pleasure and a joy to support the town."