LAUNCESTON Carnival took place on Saturday which culminated in the biggest, the brightest and the longest parade since its return to the town’s streets in 2010.

The day started at 11am in the town square with children’s rides, a bouncy castle, and a variety of traders offering everything, from candy floss to waffles.

At 12noon the new elected carnival royalty (carnival queen Tegan Wade, fairy queen Gracie Horn and royalty attendant Kiera Moore) were officially crowned in the town square.

All three girls were looking absolutely lovely as they started to prepare for the grand illuminated parade at 7.15pm.

At 5.30pm the town square really came alive when the highlight band Bournemouth Carnival Band all dressed as Spiderman, marched into the town square via Westgate Street, where they played for 40 minutes, entertaining the crowd that had turned out to see them.

The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the mad cap high jinks of this amazing band who were making their first appearance in Cornwall, hopefully it will not be their last.

Launceston Popchoir entertained a large crowd in the square before the maroon was fired to signal the start of the 2016 parade from Newport.

With the parade being led by Launceston Town Band and closely followed by the carnival royalty, the first float to enter the square area was from the carnival’s main sponsor, Charlie Bears.

With the float coming to a halt opposite the public address lorry, staff dismounted the float to the delight of many children when they handed out 150 free bears to the delighted spectators.

Dave Gordon, carnival chairman, told the Post: “What a magnificent gesture this was by our main sponsor Charlie Bears. For many reasons this year’s parade was our best yet, and Charlie Bears’ generous gift to the lucky children went a long way into making it so.

“This year’s parade was nothing short of brilliant and I thank all of the 50-plus entries who took part. Bournemouth Carnival band were fantastic. They had a long journey down to us followed by two playing sessions and a long journey back to Bournemouth, and I for one would love to see them return to Launceston again.”

The carnival committee also extended thanks to Launceston Town Council, the Rotary Club of Launceston, Flowers by Donna, Costa and Hazard, plus everyone who marshalled the route such as the Lions Club of Launceston, the Rotary Club, and the many volunteers who help each year, along with the Launceston Volunteer First Aid Service.

This year’s evening collection was in aid of the Magic Rainbow Appeal and a cheque will be presented very soon.