THE bright colours of a carnival parade waltzed through Chippenham town centre at the weekend as the event made a return following a 16-year hiatus.

More than 17,000 flocked to the town on Saturday for the carnival, which was organised by the Chippenham BID and Chippenham Town Council, for a day of back-to-back live music in Monkton Park, face painting, arts and crafts, circus skills, stilt walkers and fair ground rides.

A spokesman from Faresaver Buses, which sponsored the event, said: “We cannot remember an event in Chippenham which has drawn in so many people.

“The atmosphere was great and certainly all the people we met appeared to be having a lovely time.”

This year 135 people and a dog took part in the first walking procession through the town’s iconic locations to showcase what they offer to the community, and although there has been some criticism about the length of the parade, the BID has said it wants people to help grow the carnival into a regular community event and they are eyeing up floats for next year’s procession.

Kathryn Crosweller, of Chippenham Connected, said: “Chippenham BID wants to encourage local people to re-engage with Chippenham and draw them into the town to shop, eat and live.

“We are delighted that so many people came into Chippenham for the carnival and we have been humbled by the words of support from many, many people in the town.

“We are looking forward to releasing the date for 2018 very soon.”

The carnival raised £415.10 which will go to Chippenham Street Pastors.