STEAM engines, bagpipes and a glamorous appearance from Miss Oxfordshire were just some of the treats that set alight Witney carnival.

Hundreds of people gathered in Witney town centre from 11am on Saturday as schools, bands and various community organisations marched through from 12.30pm.

The parade started at The Leys, making its way up Church Green and on to Corn Street.

The procession then made its way along Welch Way, down the High Street before going through Church Green again and finishing back at The Leys.

Oxford Mail:

Miss Oxfordshire Layla Claridge, who led the parade

Leading the parade in an open top Mercedes was Miss Oxfordshire 2015 Layla Claridge, 23, who waved to the cheering crowds on the pavement.

Miss Claridge, from Charlbury, who will contest for Miss England in August, said: “I asked if they wanted any help and they asked if I could lead the procession.

“I am really happy to lead it and it was great to see everyone out in their costumes. There were a lot of people which is great and everyone has been really friendly.”

The free carnival was organised by Witney Lions Club, Witney Rotary Club and Witney Round Table, and assisted by Witney Squadron Air Training Corps.

Oxford Mail:

Stan Lewendon with his steam engine and children, from left, Ben, Sophie and Tom
                          

Newly appointed Witney Rotary Club president Ashley Farmer believed it was one of the biggest turn-outs the carnival had seen for years. The 71-year-old, who has lived in Witney his whole life, said: “It is brilliant and we are doing this because it is a day out for the families.

“The parade today was the biggest one we have had for some while and I believe it has probably been 15 to 20 per cent bigger."

Despite cloudy skies, the sun made an occasional appearance to shine on the carnival-goers including brownies, scouts and primary school pupils dressed in flamboyant costumes.

The Leys was full with a wide range of stalls to raise money for chosen charities.

There were also circus acts, train rides, donkey rides, a silent disco, a Caledonian pipe band, open mic sessions and a dog show.

Steam engine driver Stan Lewendon joined the parade with sons Ben and Tom on a Supreme traction engine and said the carnival was one of his favourite events on the calendar.

Mr Lewendon added: “It was fantastic driving it through Witney and it is always good fun because there are always good people. It is very hot driving it.”

His son and Clanfield Primary School pupil Tom Lewendon, seven, added: “It was really fun being up high and waving at people.”