THE BRIGHT lights of Pewsey Carnival’s illuminated procession flooded the streets of the village to round up the last two months of events.

Thousands of people lined the roads in Pewsey on Saturday (September 17) evening, eagerly anticipating the parade of floats and walking entries. As the floats gathered in the Carnival Field in Milton Road, brightly painted and decorated teams were emitting an excited buzz.

With themes ranging from Alice in Wonderland to Pokémon Go, Route 66 bikers to Star Wars, imagination and craftsmanship weren’t in short supply with 38 entries, an increase on last year.

Simone Lay and Adele Hudson, descendants of the founders of Pewsey Carnival, George Edward Goddard, were in high spirits and excited for the march through Pewsey.

Mrs Lay said: “We do the carnival every year, we love taking part in it. I think we will still be doing it until we are 80.”

Carol Parsons, a member of the carnival committee, said: "Once again the carnival fortnight has been well supported by everyone. The procession was the highlight for me and the standard of all entries was magnificent. The atmosphere during the evening was splendid, a real carnival spirit. So many people worked tremendously hard to create such a spectacle and we really appreciate all their efforts."

After fireworks signalled the start of the procession, the floats started making their way through the crowds of jolly onlookers.

As well as drawing in a strong crowd from the surrounding villages and towns, the carnival attracted audiences from further afield.

Tim Ireland, 47, of Micheldever in Hampshire, said: “This is the first carnival we have been to in Pewsey. I’ve driven through the village before but never stopped here. We got here at 5pm and I think it is going to be brilliant.”

Derek Drewitt, 70, procession organiser, said: “Everything looked absolutely amazing, you can really see how much work has been put into the floats and the floats have all been paid for by the teams. This is my last year as procession organiser, I started in the 1990s, but it is always a great show.”

The committee will now discuss this year's events and make plans for next year.

"The carnival committee are very pleased with the outcome of the fortnight's festivities and the feedback we have been receiving is very positive. Although carnival has drawn to a close, we will be having our post carnival review meeting on October 13, 7.30pm at the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey where anyone is welcome to come and voice their opinions and potential new ideas," Mrs Parsons added.