CARNIVAL fever hit the streets of Calne last weekend as thousands of people, dressed in bright colours and fancy costumes, enjoyed a whole host of activities and the annual procession.

Although numbers for the procession were down on last year, organisers have praised the community spirit in the town for rallying together and enjoying the fun and games on Saturday.

Aside from the procession, which started in Bremhill View, thousands of people took part in human skittle zorbing, canoe taster sessions, surfing simulators and donkey rides.

The day also lent its support to Armed Forces Day, which took place over the same weekend, with a well supported military parade later in the afternoon.

Kevin Whitehorn, head of leisure and events at Beversbrook Sport Centre, said: “The numbers were a bit low for the procession compared to last year and we only had two floats but the carnival went well and it gives us something to work towards and plan for in the future.

“We lost out events officer this year so we were concentrating on making this year as best as we could with the hopes on building on that for next year.

“The highlight for me has to be seeing the number of people from the Calne community coming out to either take part of watch the procession.”

Mayor Coun Tony Trotman and his wife Miriam headed up the procession through the town in the late afternoon and a collection was also taken for his two chosen charities, the Calne Sports Fund and Calne and District Link.

“We came through the town and suddenly there everyone was lining the streets,” Coun Trotman said. “Perhaps it did fall shorter than last year as we only had three floats but the people are what make this event and I was really pleased with how it went.

“The youngsters that took part were exceptional right through to the groups as well but the children won my heart.”