Published at 11:59, Monday, 13 June 2011

THIS year’s Dalton carnival attracted a record crowd.

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People poured onto the streets to soak up the sun and party atmosphere of the annual event on Saturday.

The colourful parade of floats, dance troupes and bands went through Tudor Square, along Market Street, Skelgate, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Terrace and Chapel Street before heading into Dowdales School field.

Dance troupes entertained the crowds with their tap dancing and amazing costumes.

Dalton Town Band and Barrow’s St Andrews Pipe Band were also on hand to keep spectators entertained.

Once the procession ended, up to 4,000 people packed onto the school field for competitions to see which dance troupes would be crowned the best.

There was also entertainment for all ages on offer, including bouncy castles, a climbing wall, a fairground and donkey rides.

Dalton’s mayor, Councillor John Millar, said: “It was a beautiful day for a beautiful occasion.

“Dalton committee have done themselves proud yet again. They must be congratulated for all the hard work they put in every year. The mayor and mayoress are very pleased to be able to attend such an event.”

Cllr Millar said that for the first time this year a special award was handed out for the best commercial float.

The Jeff Farrell Memorial Shield is in honour of the former dedicated Dalton carnival committee member who died on New Year’s Eve.

His widow, Christine, opened the carnival and launched the shield.

Carnival committee chairman Neil McDougall said: “It has been a very good day and with about 3,000 to 4,000 people at the end on the school field. It has been the biggest attendance ever.

“The weather has remained good and people have really enjoyed themselves.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk