[quotes style=”modern” align=”center” author=”Laburnum Lower School”]We just wanted to say a huge thank-you to Anderson’s for your help on Saturday.

Please pass on our thanks to both drivers (the first one delivered the trailer in the morning and then had fetch some pallets for the children to sit on (sorry I think that was my fault for not asking beforehand), and the second one arrived with another cab and then drove the lorry in the parade). We understand that there were staff sickness issues on the day so we really appreciate that you went the extra mile so as to not let us down.

The children had a fantastic time and I’m sure they will remember the day for a long time !

Many thanks once again.[/quotes]

The sun shone down on a Biggleswade Carnival parade to remember on Saturday.

The crowds were bathed in warm sunshine as one of the longest processions in years made its way through the town.

Thousands of people lined the two hour route with the busiest area by far being in the Market Square, where the traditional fun fair added to the festivities.

It was a golden day for the carnival court who led the parade – carnival queen Penny Chamberlain, senior princess Sophie Stukins, princess Mica Rachel Hayden and prince Mathew Simmons.

The pride of procession was awarded to Lawnside Lower School who beat off impressive competition from more than a dozen floats on the theme of TV Adverts and Programmes, Past and Present.

Biggleswade Sea Cadet Band provided the music with further entertainment from the baton-twirling Shefford Majorettes.

The parade set off from Holmemead Middle School in Mead End and progressed down Dells Lane, meeting the first major crowds outside The Stratton House Hotel and Red Lion pub.

After setting the Market Square alive with noise and colour the procession continued along Shortmead Street, Sun Street and – via a welcome curry tasting outside The Viceroy indian restaurant – on to Potton Road.

With mid-afternoon temperatures soaring it was time for a quick break close to the Gardeners Arms pub before continuing the route along Potton Road, Drove Road and Elm Road back to the start.