THE mayor of Calne says the town is ‘coming back to life” after putting on a successful Calne Summer Carnival for the first time since 2019.

Residents turned out to watch the event as the community came together to enjoy a series of activities throughout Saturday.

The Calne Summer Carnival is one of the biggest events the Town Council organises with around 3-4,000 people attending.

Councillor Trotman, who officially opened the event at 1pm on the main stage, near the Town Hall, said: “The town council set a wonderful carnival after waiting for three years.

“We had lots of floats and walking groups from the schools. It was quite brilliant to see what Calne can do.”

This year's event theme was 'Fairytales and Nursery Rhymes' and featured a packed events programme.

Calne's own band - Six O'Clock Circus - with their opening set kicked off the afternoon’s live entertainment.

Residents were also able to meet the animals from Chloe's Mobile Farm at The Wharf between 1pm and 6pm.

Others brave visitors were able to learn about spiders, snakes and lizards from all over the world in the Tropical Discoveries in the Town Hall and interact with them.

The ever-popular Drag Queen Storytime was back, and children and adults of all ages headed down to the Calne Pocket Park to listen to the tall tales.

Carnival-goers also kept their eyes peeled for some special guests who were out and about in town – including a Disney Princess stilt walker, the Balloon Guy, some pirates and even Cinderella!

The Lovely Bubbly Show gave a blowing bubbles show at The Band Stand on Church Street where people could join in the fun.

Others took part in a fancy dress competition, with the same theme - 'Fairytales and Nursery Rhymes'.

Some showed off their artistic side by taking part in the colouring competition at The Lansdowne Strand Hotel.

Calne Library hosted Rhymetime Storytime sessions throughout the day and Jennings Funfair occupied the lower Sainsbury's car park.

Calne Springs craft and gift market gave people plenty to look at in Phelps Parade.

The main event was the Calne Summer Carnival procession which left Bremhill View and arrive in the town centre at about 5pm. The A4 was closed from 4pm to 6pm allow the safe passing of the procession. 

 This year's event was sponsored by Churchill Retirement Living , JJ&S Transport Ltd, Hills and Buildbase.