THE heat was on, but the glorious weather saw a bumper turnout to watch the Parkend Carnival procession on Bank Holiday Monday.

The 51st event saw colourful floats, many recalling a bygone era, winding their way through the village to the recreation ground.

The procession included several vintage vehicles, many entered by the Forest Vintage Vehicles Club.

And guest of honour Dame Janet Trotter, the former Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, travelled in style in a 1946 Hudson Commercial Six.

The Wedding Singer was the theme for the Forest Musical Theatre, while The Bashford Blues Land Girls got back to the soil.

Parkend Carnival Queen Darcy Summers was surrounded on a float with princesses Millie Gwynne, Ella Thomas and attendants Kasey-Mae Hiller, Lily Elliot, Ruby Ervig, Mia Rae and Henry Miller.

Carnival committee member Alan Grant said: “The standard of entry was really high this year.

“And I can say that, as I wasn’t one of the judges.

“I was genuinely impressed with the quality of the turnout.

“It was also good to see such a good turnout of carnival participants and the crowd watching the procession.

“If any group would like to use a flatbed lorry to take part in next year’s Parkend Carnival, they only have to ask us as we have lots of contacts in the industry who would be keen to help.”