Last updated at 09:35, Friday, 22 June 2012

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of people in Cockermouth who turned out to watch the town’s annual carnival.

COLOURFUL: Amie Eccles, six

Despite persistent rain, crowds lined the streets as the procession wound its way along South Street, Lorton Street, Kirkgate, Market Place, Main Street before finishing at the Memorial Gardens, where there was a funfair and other entertainment.

The parade was led by the Cockermouth Mechanics Band and was followed by the queens’ floats, performances from Stagecoach Theatre Company, Mandy’s Dancing Divas and the band Vertigo, who performed on the CockRock festival float.

There was also a salsa band from Cockermouth schools, Olympic themes from Fairfield and St Joseph’s schools, and an entertainment act from All Saints School.

Julie Laidlow, carnival committee chairman, said: “The weather hasn’t fazed anyone and everybody seems happy regardless.

“People were already talking about what they would like to do next year which shows the weather this year has not put them off.

“The atmosphere was still there so all in all it was a successful day and better than we expected.”

This year’s carnival queen was Lucy Laidlow, six, who took over from retiring queen Rachel Goodfellow, eight.

Snow queen was Jessica Wilson, eight, Britannia was Holly Winstanley, 12, while there was also a prince and princesses float.

Tim Robinson, 41, of Waste Lane, who takes part in the carnival every year, said: “It is great that people have gone to so much effort.

“The children have loved the day which makes it worth it every year.”

Peter Kemp, 36, of Parklands, attended with his wife Shona, 33, and friend Michael Sadler, 44, also of Parklands.

He said: “There has been a good turnout considering the weather.

“It is good to see everybody out when they could have stopped at home.”

Paul Robinson, 40, of Riverdale Drive, said: “As long as the kids enjoy it that’s the main thing.

“I was surprised how many people turned out because at the beginning it was very wet but it has been great and everybody has enjoyed it.”

Best queens float: Carnival Queen. Best open float: The Owl and the Pussycat. Best children’s fancy dress: Fairfield Infant School. Best children’s fancy dress two or more: All Saints School. Best adult fancy dress: Welephant. Best children’s pram on wheels: Callum Enwright. Best pubs and clubs: Mandy’s Dancing Divas. Best school: All Saints School. Best child fancy dress: Abigail Smith. Friendship shield: Carnival Queen. Town council shield: Carnival Queen. Lions shield: Snow Queen. Lioness shield: Prince and Princesses.

First published at 19:21, Thursday, 21 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk