A CAST of more than 200 brought the commercial heart of Swindon to a standstill for the fifth annual Christmas Carnival.

Thousands of shoppers lined Regent Circus and Regent Street as the parade made its way to Market Square for a day of entertainment.

Stiltwalkers, marchers in fancy dress, celebrity lookalikes, bands, the Batmobile and even a Klingon or two were among those spreading the party atmosphere.

The parade, billed as the biggest and best yet, signalled the beginning of the town centre's Christmas celebrations.

It was organised by the town centre managers and sponsored by the Brunel shopping centre.

As well as giving people the chance to enjoy themselves and get into party mode, the carnival was aimed at highlighting the growing range of stores available to shoppers looking for Christmas gifts.

Co-ordinator Sally Barker said: "We have got over 200 performers.

"There are community groups and professional entertainers from the North East, Bristol and London are involved.

"This is definitely the best parade yet we have been preparing since February."

Luke Skywalker, proprietor of one of Swindon's best-known costume and memorabilia shops, mustered 30 family and friends to do their bit for the carnival.

Dressing as characters from films and television series such as Batman (complete with Batmobile), Star Trek and Planet of the Apes, they were among the biggest crowdpleasers of the day.

Luke said: "I've been involved with the carnival for four years and this has got to be the best parade yet.

"The parade gets everybody in the town into the Christmas spirit.

"It's party season, and this is the start of it."

The parade, led by Swindon town crier Fred Ferris, included one man whose colourful costume was nothing to do with fancy dress the mayor, David Cox.

Preparing to take his place in the parade, he said: "We know how to have fun in this town, and when we have a celebration like this, the people come out and support it.

"This is the start of the celebrations which will continue until Christmas itself, and are very important.

"It is yet another occasion when the community can come out and have a bit of fun."