WHILE Haltwhistle First School’s float proclaimed to love Haltwhistle ‘whatever the weather’, there was no such issue this year, as the recent heatwave continued.

A week of activities culminated in carnival day itself on Sunday, with the people of Haltwhistle arriving in droves to celebrate one of the biggest days in the town’s calendar.

The carnival field had a wide variety of activities for children, including fairground attractions, morris dancers, donkey rides and Cumberland and Westmoreland wrestling, but as ever, it was the parade of floats that stole the show.

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from a lorry to a vintage tractor, were transformed into all manner of strange and wonderful designs, while children and adults pulled out all the stops in a bid to win the fancy dress competition.

The parade set off from the fire station at noon, with prizes awarded for the best small, large and trailer floats. This year’s parade was led by the musicans of Blu Jam, followed closely by carnival princess Emily Scott along with her attendants Tyler Graham and Keavi-Mae Harmeston.

Carnival chairman Michael Glenwright paid tribute to the town for putting on the best carnival yet.

It was an absolutely brilliant weekend,” Michael said. The weather shone and the townsfolk turned out in their hundreds.

“It may be the best weekend we’ve had, and the weather played a big part in that, and the floats were fantastic. I’d like to thank the townsfolk for all their support, all the local businesses, everybody who’s bought things and especially the volunteers. It was absolutely superb, and the beer tent sold out, so that must be a good sign!”