THOUSANDS of residents took to the streets to watch hundreds more strutting their stuff as Andover Carnival took over the town last weekend.

Organisers estimate it was the biggest event yet with over 400 people taking part in the main procession alone, plus many more joining in the fun through the afternoon of Sunday, July 21.

The festivities began at Vigo Park from midday, with the field packed out with various food, craft and trade stalls, plus a range of funfair rides and a stage featuring a bill of nine acts performing throughout the afternoon.

Elsewhere, families turned out in force along Weyhill Road and throughout the town centre ahead of the main procession which officially kicked off at 4pm.

The route started at St Michael’s Church, in Weyhill Road, with an assortment of floats, walkers, cars and even a tractor making the journey down towards town, through Bridge Street and up towards East Street before joining in the fun at Vigo Park.

Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, was spotted amongst those to line the streets for the main procession. He said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant to see so many people here. There seems to be a lot more floats than I’ve seen before.”

“Everyone seems to be having a great time – and well done to the carnival committee for putting on such a great day.”

Donations made during the procession will be shared between the organisers’ two chosen charities, I Can Therapy and Andover Young Carers.

The event was organised by the carnival committee, made up with a dozen volunteers, with many more local businesses and groups helping out to make the event a success.

Vice chair of the Carnival committee Kevin Rush said: “We estimate around 400 people took part in the procession which is growing bigger and bigger with each year.

“Seeing the smiling faces of people along the procession and those dancing in the park is a reminder of why we do it.

“Locally carnivals are disappearing or struggling but here in Andover we are going from strength to strength with amazing local support from businesses and the community as a whole.

“The pennies are being counted and will be announced as soon as we can but work for next year has already started as we aim for bigger, louder and brighter.”

Click here to see our second gallery of photos from Sunday's event.