THOUSANDS turned out to enjoy this year’s Wickford Carnival.

The rain did not dampen residents’ spirits as they enjoyed watching the parade through the town centre.

More than 30 floats made their way through the town and carnival-goers enjoyed a fair and fete with various stalls, sweets, tombola, cakes and games.

Last year, the 94-year-old carnival was at risk of folding after the head of the committee stood down due to ill health and the new carnival chair died of a heart attack.

The Basildon and Pitsea Carnival stepped in to keep the Wickford event going in future years.

Carnival chairman, Frank Lee, 57, said: “It went really well and we were all so pleased with the way it worked out.

“We are still counting all the money that was donated, but it was a total success and I’ve had so many people calling and texting, saying what a good day they had.

“It might have rained a bit, but we didn’t care.”

Plans for next year’s carnival are yet to be made, but Mr Lee is hopeful the fun will continue.

He added: “Last year I had a heart attack, so I don’t want to get too stressed, but I have a few people to talk to about it, so we will see what they say. If we can keep it going then we will do. I think it was a very good day.”