THIS year's Crewe Carnival was the biggest ever with more floats in the procession and plenty of top acts in the arena.

Music, dancing, fun and games all added to the Carnival atmosphere on Saturday and to the family fun day on Sunday.

"It's been a terrific weekend which everyone has thoroughly enjoyed," said Elaine Dodd, Carnival organiser.

"The procession was fantastic with entries up by 20 per cent. The Carnival itself was bigger than ever and the crowds were extremely appreciative.

"Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a very special weekend."

In the arena the Tug-o-war was won by a Macclesfield group with Nantwich Young Farmers as runners-up.

The It's a Knockout competition ended with 1st Wilson House Scouts taking the junior title and Austin Reed scooping the senior prize.

The procession started at 1pm on Saturday with colourful floats winding their way through the streets of Crewe.

The judges voted for their favourite floats in several categories and the results were:

Fancy Dress: 1 Moathouse Safer Communities Neighbourhood Action Group, 2 West End project, 3 Stars/Shooting Stars

Community Vehicles: 1 Marie Curie Cancer Care, 2 Central Community Group, 3 West End Project

Commercial Vehicles: 1 English Touring Theatre, 2 Cheshire Turf, 3 The Limelight Club

Troupes: 1 Bebbington Sovereigns, 2 The Rubettes, 3

Bands: 1 First Newtown Blues and Royals, 2 Sunnyside Serenaders, 3 Carolina Jazz Band

Princesses: 1 Leighton Park Centre, 2 Marshfield Bank Residents' Association, 3 St Barnabus Church May Queen

Carnival Friends: Warburton's Horse Drawn Cart

Pedestrian Entries: 1 Streetwise, 2 Children in Need, 3 Rascal Appeal

Most entertaining float was Haslington Amateur Dramatics while St Michaels Dance Troupe and the Yvonne School of Dancing were highly commended in the parade and Ringways won the Best Trade Stand.

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