After an overcast start to the day the sun came out as the floats set out from Holmemead Middle School for the spectacular event on Saturday.

Headed by the carnival queen Natasha Brewer and her court, the colourful floats, walkers and marching bands took to the streets to bring a musical extravaganza to Biggleswade residents.

Carnival chairman Alan Richards told the Chronicle: "It developed into a beautiful day so we had a fantastic turn out. We thought the quality of the floats was very good this year, as well as the walkers. We've had comments from all over the place and people have taken pictures and sent them across the world.

"We're very happy with it and very proud. Everybody that took part on the day did a fantastic job and spent a lot of time, effort and money creating the floats. Everybody that was involved should be congratulated. It surpassed expectations."

The all-singing, all-dancing musicals themed parade saw floats based on top musical hits including My Fair Lady, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Wizard of Oz and more.

The Pride of Procession award went to Lawnside Lower School with its spectacular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang float - which included a life-sized model of the famous car.

The parade left Holmemead Middle School shortly after 2pm, with crowds of people lining the streets to cheer it on and enjoying all the fun of the fair courtesy of Harris' Fun Fair.

Walking alongside the floats and marching bands were dressed walkers and an intrepid Biggleswade Chronicle team – who made their way through the town giving out goodies and collecting pennies for worthy causes.

A total of £1,831 was collected along the route. This will be added to the pot of money raised throughout the carnival programme and donations will be made to local worthy causes in the autumn.

Carnival parade winners:

Pride of Procession
Lawnside Lower School

Under Sevens
1st Dunton Village Playgroup
2nd Brigham Preschool
3rd Trinity Toddlers

Under 16s
1st Lawnside Lower School
2nd Holmemead Middle School
3rd Biggleswade Scout Group

Over 16s
1st Water Adventure Cadre

Trade
1st PSP Electrical Services Ltd

Licensed Trade
1st The Hopbine
2nd The Gardners Arms

Decorated Vehicle
1st Mayflower Social Centre
2nd Pirouettes and Pullbacks


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