From a gang of unruly cowboys and a mobile chocolate factory to a First World War biplane, Malmesbury’s annual carnival procession prompted cheers, applause and laughter from hundreds of people who lined the streets on Saturday evening.

The procession wended its way around town to the sound of a samba beat, a Scots pipe band and the jingle and thud of coins being tossed into buckets and nets from generous spectators.

As well as raising much-needed funds, for a host of local charities the procession proved a fittingly spectacular finale to a month of nearly 50 events that comprised this year’s carnival and festival.

Event spokesman Sue Poolman said: “The procession went really, really well. The costumes, the colour and the sheer sense of adventure from those who took was so impressive.

“There were some really good entries, from topical to old fashioned themes. And the music was absolutely fantastic.

“The atmosphere was brilliant. It’s quite an old-fashioned form of entertainment but it really does appeal to people of all ages.

“Even hardened teenagers are out there having fun. Younger people who move away tend to come back to see their parents for the carnival weekend and bring their own children to watch.”

True to tradition the procession was led by a fire engine followed by the mayor and deputy mayor of Malmesbury, Sue Poole and Kim Power, who were driven on the back of a flatbed Morris truck.

There were 27 entries this year – an increase from 2013 – which involved scores of people, from children to pensioners.

One entry, Despicable Us from K&S Childcare, saw 30 children trooping through the town centre dressed as downtrodden Minions, much to the amusement of their parents.

There were around a dozen entries in the motorised vehicles category, which was won by The Whole Hog pub with its Wild Western-themed float The Good, The Bad and The Hoggly. Gill Smith’s Fire Department was second while Dr Charlie’s Chocolate Factory – courtesy of local GP Dr David Charles – was third.

The adult walkers’ group prize was won by The Soggy Bottoms, a Great British Bake-Off take-off complete with all manner of cakes. Despicable Us was second while third was the Athelstan Museum’s When A Tiger Came To Malmesbury.

The independent walkers group was won by the Monday Club’s aeronautical-themed entry Biggles.

Ten year-old Grace Kettley, covered in sweets, was second as Carnival Candy while Cynthia Rowston, as Popeye’s Wife, was third.