77541-09THIS year's Wootton Bassett Carnival has been singled out as one of the best yet even though stormy weather threatened to turn it into a washout.

Hours before the start of the procession, heavy rain damaged floats as they made there way to the town.

But dampened spirits were raised when the sun came out for the start of the event.

The town was awash with colourful costumes and crazy designs as floats, which set off from Marlowe Way at 6pm on Saturday, paraded through the streets.

Themes included little devils, scruffy schoolgirls, Crocodile Dundee and Winnie the Pooh.

Majorette troupes, beavers, cubs, guides and brownies also took part along with residents, dressed in Stoneage style costumes, from Wootton Bassett's French twin town, Blain.

Carnival chairwoman Mary Harrison said: "It all went very well but we were very worried when there was a storm at 3pm. It spoilt a couple of floats with things being blown off and paint running.

"But thankfully the rain stopped before the start and it was all very colourful with lots of young people enjoying themselves.

"The procession was very long and one of the best yet."

Organisers believe attendance figures were down on previous years, blaming the bad weather and the event's clash with Saturday's FA Cup final.

Procession organiser Eileen Lambourne said that after taking a battering from the storm, everyone deserved a medal for turning out.

"It was very good considering what had just happened," she said.

"It was one of the longest processions in recent years and a very colourful affair."

Wootton Bassett mayor Chris Wannell was also full of praise.

"I thought the carnival was absolutely brilliant and a credit to the people of Wootton Bassett," he said.

"The carnival had just about everything thrown at it rain, hail and thunder but it went ahead with more floats than last year and the spirit among the carnival was wonderful. Those that came out thoroughly enjoyed it."

The 34th carnival put the town in the spotlight with 10 days packed with events for all ages. Proceedings started with an annual summer art exhibition at the civic centre and a quiz night and silent auction in the Memorial Hall.

This was followed by the grand carnival fete at Noremarsh Junior School.

Other events included a window dressing competition, walking treasure hunt, tea dance and music night. And on Saturday the Rotary centenary clock was unveiled at Deacons Jewellers.

Yesterday, there was a prize draw and carnival celebration at the Civic Centre.

More photographs appear in today's Evening Advertiser

Ben Payne