This year’s Wigton carnival was hailed as a smashing success - “even better than last year”.

That was the verdict of the town’s mayor, John Crouch, who spent the day - like many others - smiling as he took part in the Sunday afternoon carnival parade through Wigton’s high street.

Refusing to let a recent knee replacement dampen his enjoyment of the carnival, John was full of praise for all those who had put time and creative energy into making the parade such a success.

“The work that people put in to organising it - it’s the stuff that you don’t see, that goes on behind the scenes, putting it all together,” John said.

“Everyone’s come up with some great ideas.

“It’s a big event to organise, and there’s so much community involvement, and it’s so lovely to see so many people coming together.”

Overall, John felt the 2019 event had bested last year’s Wigton carnival.

“It’s been better than last year’s carnival - more floats and plenty of people.

“So it’s very encouraging to see.”

John was grateful that the weather stayed dry, despite the presence of some threatening clouds earlier on Sunday morning.

“We’ve been very lucky with the weather,” John said.

He said the appeal of the carnival lies in it being a true family event, one that appeals to all ages.

“It’s great for the young ones - but it also gives the older ones an excuse to dress up.”

John added that the Wigton carnival was an important part of the town’s history, having been an annual feature for many years.

“My children back in the 80s used to be part of the carnival,” John said.

“We still talk about it now, it becomes tradition, good memories.

“It goes back so many years - there’s a lifetime of memories wrapped up in Wigton carnival.”

John hinted that he was currently discussing plans with several others in the town in order to make next year’s Wigton carnival extra special.