MORE than 14,000 people turned out on Saturday July 13 to enjoy this year’s Chippenham Carnival in bright sunshine.

The Island Park was the centre of a wide range of free activities with a Lost in Space theme, including a giant rocket photo prop, face painting, sand art workshops, space games and circus skills.

The winners of the Faresaver-sponsored recycled rocket-making competition were Megan Tomonova, six, and her sister Olivia, four.

And there was also a Death Star backdrop and droids provided by the local Star Wars group MK Garrison, which was one of the major attractions.

Characters included a menacing Darth Vader, a Rebel Jet fighter pilot, Chewbacca the Wookiee, and a group of Storm Troopers.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the crowning of the Carnival Royalty by Chippenham mayor, Cllr Desna Allen, who said: “What a brilliant day we all had.

“I was delighted to meet the Carnival royalty, and I was very impressed with their costumes. The carnival is such a wonderful event, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

Among the visitors were Chippenham Samantha Finner, of Dallas Road, with her children Ella, five, and Leo, three.

Ella, dressed as Galaxy, and Leo, dressed as Darth Vader, were the winners of the carnival fancy dress competition judged by Cllr Desna Allen, who handed each child a box of Lego.

Afterwards, Sam said: “We’re having a good time. It’s nice to have all the free activities.”

Another visitor was Abbie Kirkham, 21, from Lansdown Park, Calne, with her son Ryleigh-Jay Ireland, two. He was introduced Chewbacca, but didn’t quite know what to make of him. Abbie said: “I think he’s a little bit shy and nervous.”

“We’re going to have a look around and watch the people singing on the live music stage. We’re having a good time so far.”

The main stage hosted an array of local talent from dance groups, including Xpression Street Dance, Phoenix Dance and Dancing Academy, to singers including CLOGETTES Musical theatre and local band The Stories.

It also featured performances from up-and-coming stars Burbank, George Wilding and Rob Bowden.

The weird and wacky Damien Pickett, dressed as ‘Doc Brown’ from the Back to the Future film trilogy, hosted the main stage events, with games, competitions and crowd-pleasing patter.

Chippenham MP Michelle Donelan, spent the day handing out sweets and chatting to local constituency members.

She said: “It’s been a good opportunity to talk to members of the public. Lots of people have been coming up to me to talk about their problems.”