THOUSANDS of people enjoyed a weekend of activities at this year’s Walton Carnival.

Events kicked off at the town’s Bathhouse meadow with a children’s fancy dress competition and kids’ race.

But the real fun got underway on Saturday, when an estimated 5,000 people lined the streets to watch the procession go by.

Led by the carnival queen Maria Tierney-Garneys and her princesses Laura Dixon and Lucie Ursell, floats of all shapes and themes paraded along the seafront.

A funfair and stalls met the procession at the end of the parade at the meadow.

Liz Harper, secretary of the Walton carnival association, said: “It went brilliantly. The sun shone for us and there were lots of people about.

“There were some really lovely floats.

“I want to thank everyone, and especially the Naze Marine Holiday Park for donating the queens’ teas.”

Saturday also saw a car boot sale, a sandcastle competition, and performances from a medieval drama group.

To finish off, teams battled in a tug of war competition and pet pooches starred in the novelty dog show.

  • Lots more pictures in today's Gazette