COVID restrictions meant were no floats and fancy dress on what would have been Royal Wootton Bassett Carnival’s 50th anniversary.

But people in the town still managed to summon up some carnival spirit by decorating their homes.

Committee member Laura Patterson and her neighbours in Tennyson Road were among those who were determined not to let the pandemic stop them marking the event.

She said: “There were a lot of shops and businesses that got involved along the High Street, and residents put up pictures on social media of their houses and tagging us in them. In our street we had a pirate theme, we made a pirate ship out of cardboard and we put up some bunting, it was great.

“We play bingo in our cul-de-sac on bank holidays and we did it on carnival day too, it was fun.

“It’s been really lovely that we were able to do this, it really shows that the town loves the carnival. Everybody is really supportive, they were disappointed that it couldn’t go ahead, it was one way that we could mark the day. Hopefully, if everything goes well, we can do it properly next year.”

She added: “Church Street really stood out to me on the weekend, it was a beach theme, and a lot of people worked together to decorate the street. It has also meant that neighbours had the chance to meet."

Businesses and organisations got involved and decorated their windows and shopfronts, including Ridgeway House, Ruby & Dexters, Sorelle Home & Gifts, and The Guelder Rose florists.

The carnival was started by members of the community, including George Scarrott Senior and Chris Wannell in 1971 and normally the town centre is packed.

Under current coronavirus restrictions it's illegal for big gatherings of more than 30 people, but the committee is planning a big celebration next year to make up for the last two cancellations.

Laura said: “I think the community loves to get involved in this because it’s a really great day for everyone. It’s a chance for people to get out and forget everything that’s going on, especially right now with the pandemic.

“We have a few things in the pipeline for next year, we’d love for more people to join our committee so we can make next year even bigger to make up for the last two being cancelled and to celebrate the 50th anniversary.”