The Ulverston Carnival brought the town to a standstill for the 23rd year in a row in 1994 and The Mail was on hand to take in the festivities.

It was described as ‘one of the best carnivals for many a long day’ and featured a 40-minute long parade that drew in crowds of smiling spectators who lined the pavements.

The parade included six marching bands, hundreds of dancing girls, many others in fancy dress and a host of decorated floats.

The stars of the show were the queens and princesses, who were attended by their ladies in waiting.

Queen for the day was Laura McCormick while the other ‘royals’ on the floats included retiring queen Amy Brettle, Croftlands Princess Christina Dixon, Red Rose Queen Catherine Anne Watson, Askam Carnival Queen Eleanor Clark and Dalton Charter Princess Esta Cassley.

Leading the parade were the Ulverston Town Band, who played wartime medleys, and they were joined by cadets from the Barrow Corps of Drums.

Thousands went on to enjoy the Ulverston Carnival Night celebrations at The Gill, which was the culmination of months of preparation and hard work.

Youngsters who attended may have been slightly baffled by the Morris men and clog dancers, but they were considerably more entertained by the music provided by local rock band Clusterfunked.

Excitement increased at the daylight faded as The Gill became a fairground, complete with rides and candy floss, to round off what was a memorable day.