FLYING cows, colourful sheep, and a giant salmon were among the larger-than-life creations at this year’s Carlisle Puppet Pageant.

Scores of people filled the streets to watch the procession at the weekend, which made its way from the Old Fire Station to the Old Town Hall in the city centre.

And its contribution to city culture has been hailed as impressive as its place in the events calendar is cemented.

The pageant - based on the theme of ‘A Kaleidoscope of Carlisle Life’ - celebrated various members from all walks of life, including astronomers, coffee merchants, fishermen and weavers.

The larger-than-life creations were created by community groups, organisations and schools in and around Carlisle.

Following a few changes, including moving the event from the summer holidays to the start of September, organisers hailed Saturday’s parade as the best yet.

Ali McCaw, creative director of Prism Arts, told The Cumberland News: “We’ve had far more community groups, including an international women’s group through Multicultural Cumbria - who made the magnificent flying cow.

“We made pom-pom sheep at Music on the Marr, and worked with Belle Vue School for our learning disability project, and helped at the Healthlands project too.

“Together with Carlisle Youth Zone, Tullie House and young people from the Hope Street project, the pageant has galvanised everybody and I think that’s been very reflective in having a great cross section of the community.”

The event was also joined by musical group Blue Jam from Penrith, Eden Mencap and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

“It is great to see this has been so well supported.

“There were loads of people out on the streets, I’ve never seen quite so many for the Puppet Pageant, it’s been fantastic,” Ali continued.

A street theatre from Prism Arts kept families and passers-by entertained in-between the pageant and musical numbers.

Following the latest success, plans are already underway for the pageant to return next year.