By Paul Crute

Last updated at 12:00, Monday, 18 June 2012

Hundreds turned out in Cockermouth to enjoy the annual carnival – despite driving rain.

Mandy’s Dance Divas do their On a Mission routine

Crowds lined the streets as the procession wound its way through the town along South Street, Lorton Street, Kirkgate, Market Place, Main Street before finishing at the Memorial Gardens to a fun fair and other entertainment.

It was led by the Cockermouth Mechanics Band and was followed by various queens floats, performances from Stagecoach Theatre Company, Mandy’s Dancing Divas and band Vertigo, who performed on the Cockrock float.

There was also a salsa band made up of pupils from Cockermouth schools, Olympic themes from Fairfield and St Joseph’s School as well as an entertainment act from All Saints School.

Carnival committee chairman Julie Laidlow said: “It has been a brilliant day and I am delighted with the turnout.

“The weather hasn’t phased anyone and everybody seems happy regardless.

“People were already talking about what they would like to do next year which shows the weather this year has not put them off,” said Julie.

“The atmosphere was still there so all in all it was a successful day and better than we expected.”

This year’s carnival queen was Lucy Laidlow, six, who took over from retiring queen Rachel Goodfellow, eight.

Snow queen was Jessica Wilson, eight, Britannia was Holly Winstanley, 12, while there was also a prince and princesses float.

Tim Robinson, 41, of Waste Lane, takes part in the carnival every year.

He said: “It is great that people have gone to so much effort.

“The children loved the day which makes it worth it every year.”

Peter Kemp, 36, of the Parklands, attended with his wife Shona, 33, and friend Michael Sadler, 44, also of the Parklands.

He said: “There has been a good turnout considering the weather.

“It has been quite good to see everybody out when they could have stopped at home.”

Paul Robinson, 40, of Riverdale Drive, said: “As long as the kids enjoy it then that is the main thing.

“I was surprised how many people turned out because at the beginning it was very wet, but it has been great and everybody has enjoyed it.”

Mrs Laidlow and carnival secretary Isabel Burns thanked David Wilson, for helping to marshal, the Mechanics Band, the Cockrock committee and the Swan Inn on Kirkgate, and said the carnival would not have taken place without their help.

First published at 11:23, Monday, 18 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk