THOUSANDS lined the streets in Maryport over the weekend to attend what is said to have been the biggest carnival in the town for a number of years.

Over 400 people entered the annual Maryport Carnival with Ghostbusters, Crocodile Rockers, Abba and many visiting as well as local carnival queens heading out to the awaiting crowds.

Gary Hampson, Chairman of the Maryport Carnival Committee said: "It was a great success, there was a record amount of entrants for this years events with around 400 entrants.

"It was the largest carnival that the town has seen in a number of years and it went without a hitch, there was a lot of people that were out and about supporting the events, thousands had lined the streets."

Maryport's Cheer Force Knights were on hand to entertain the crowds.Maryport's Cheer Force Knights were on hand to entertain the crowds. (Image: David Tuck)

The carnival was a first for the new Maryport Carnival Community who have been delighted with the success of this years event.

Gary said: "Spirits are very high at the moment because of all the hard work that the group have delivered throughout the year has actually paid off. Just from the feedback that the committee has received already, we have done well in our first year."

There was even time for the Crocodile Rock.There was even time for the Crocodile Rock. (Image: David Tuck)

"It's just great to have been part of the organisation of an event that had brought so many people to the town, its absolutely fantastic to see so many people supporting the event throughout the day, there was a lot of people who stayed for hours. It was absolutely fantastic."

Gary has thanked the main sponsors for their support leading up to and on the day, these include: Maryport Town Council, Mike Taylor Printing Services, Maryport Groundworks, Firpress Printers and Maryport Round Table.

The Thomas Henry gang during the parade.The Thomas Henry gang during the parade. (Image: Karen Little)

Thanks were also paid to the many guest judges and dignitaries who judged the many entrants on the day, as well as the outgoing Maryport Carnival Committee for setting such a 'high precedent and bar' for the new organisers.

Gary said: "Carnival 25' planning has already started, we have taken some really positive feedback from this year and we have learned a bit as well, so using that learning from experience we can build on what we have done this year."