IT is Barrow’s carnival this weekend so to mark the event we are taking a look at pictures from the Mail’s archive of the event held 25 years ago when a giant dragon stole the show.

The Mail, on Monday, July 27, in 1994, noted: “Thousands of Barrovians lined the streets, eight deep in places, to watch possibly the best carnival parade in years.

“More than 120 floats, bands and dancing groups made their colourful way through the streets of the town.

“And Saturday’s parade, following a new route this year, proved a great success with those packing the streets to watch.

“At the end of the parade the carnival atmosphere continued at Barrow Park, where stalls, refreshments, dancing displays and much more kept children and adults alike amused.

“Star of the show was a huge smoke-breathing dragon, the British Gasfloat, which headed the parade and sent some of the youngest members of the Furness population running for cover each time it roared.

“The dragon was greeted with cheers and loud applause each time it turned a corner and confronted a new audience.

“Last year saw the final carnival organised by Joan Grainger, who dedicated much of her life to the event.

“Now Barrow Round Table has taken over the mantle of responsibility for the traffic-stopping event.

“Before the parade had even moved off from its starting point in Duke Street, fate took a hand when two Coastguard vehicles and their inshore rescue boat were called to an emergency near Arnside where a family of four had become trapped by the swiftly rising tide."

The 1994 Barrow carnival queen was Erica Heighton-Budgeon and her ladies-in-waiting were Yvonne Herrington and Rebecca Rogan.

Peter Garwood, of Barrow Round Table, said: “I think the whole day went exceptionally well."