A popular village carnival which always attracts big crowds was delighted to welcome lots of familiar faces - including Boris Johnson, Mary Poppins and Scooby Doo!

Broughton Carnival is well known for it's colourful parade. And after a pandemic-imposed three-year break it was clear everyone was looking forward to it.

The community came out in force - and also the sun.

Times and Star: Crowds turned out to enjoy the carnival fun. Photo: Sadie SedgwickCrowds turned out to enjoy the carnival fun. Photo: Sadie Sedgwick

"It was very successful. The weather was perfect and there were a lot of people watching along the route," said long-standing committee secretary Anne Davis.

"There was a great mix of floats as well as people walking and community acts. I think people were really pleased to see it back, there was a great atmosphere."

The parade, lead by local Brownies and Mossley Band from Manchester, wound its way through the villages, starting from the school field and ending up in the Welfare Field.

Times and Star: The Carnival Queen and her entourageThe Carnival Queen and her entourage

Once there, the crowning ceremony was held and people could enjoy the fun fair, ice creams and stalls.

The North Tyneside Pipe Band took up the rear of the parade, which was full of lovely queens and their entourages.

Carnival Queen Amelia Fisher travelled in a float sporting the colours of the Ukrainian flag. She was accompanied by two Ukrainian girls who are staying locally.

Times and Star: Enjoying the float fun Photo: Mike GriersonEnjoying the float fun Photo: Mike Grierson

The other royalty was: Platinum Jubilee Queen Abigail Foster; Snow King Alfie Jenkins; Herald Evie Rolls; Ivy Queen Ivy Cruttenden; Gypsy Queen Esmé ; Miss Broughton Amelia Jai Collister; Princess Emma Fisher; Britannia Elizabeth Stephenson; Prince Jaxson Fletcher.

Times and Star: Mary Poppins and her chimney sweeps were declared the best act en routeMary Poppins and her chimney sweeps were declared the best act en route

The one award - for best act en route - went to Mary Poppins and her chimney sweeps, all regulars at Brewery House, who danced and sang their way through Great and Little Broughton.

The cheering crowds loved all the entertainment, including Boris spinning plates, Scooby Doo and a selection of dinosaurs.

Times and Star: Watch out, there were some water pistol wielding dinosaursWatch out, there were some water pistol wielding dinosaurs

All ages took part, from toddlers to pensioners.

The event is organised by a hard-working committee of six. Teas were laid on for the bands and judges in the village hall.

Anne said: "I'd like to thank all those on the committee and also the many people who helped on the day - putting up bunting, assembling the stage, marshalling and with teas.

"We could not do this without lots of support."

Special ceremony: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/20286602.special-ceremony-marks-end-respected-cockermouth-group/