BAGPIPERS and a chainsaw sculptor were part of a colourful carnival which helped make Wallingford’s Fashion-themed carnival another success.

The parade, among the highlights of the 49th annual town party, was led by Mayor Dee Cripps in a chauffeur-driven in a 1957 Ford Fairline 500.

She was closely followed by carnival princess, nine-year-old Hollie Smith, in a pony and trap.

The carnival, which is organised by a team of volunteers, will this year donate all proceeds to Wallingford Hockey Club.

Pupils from St John’s School clinched first prize in the float competition, with their own 80-pupil interpretation of fashion through the ages, which included handmade paper Spitfires.

Ms Cripps, who helped judge the floats, said: “The children looked fantastic.

“It was a wonderful day. Each festival takes about a year’s worth of planning, so it took a huge amount of effort from the team of volunteers. “ Enjoying the carnival was Nicky Fisher, from Dorchester, who was there with daughters Matilda, 10, and Annie, seven.

She said: “I was born in Wallingford and I have been coming here ever since I was a child. I love it and the children enjoy watching it too.”

At the town’s Kinecroft, carnival-goers enjoyed mountain bike and motorbike displays, a marching band, the Goring Growlers dog display and the chainsaw sculptor.

In the Market Place, music and entertainment was laid on by the Wallingford School Fun Band, Queen Street Jazz and Response Collective, and the Thames Valley Drama School.

To end the day, Wallingford School rock band The Stags, joined the Cadillacs and Slade tribute band Slyde to thrash out a set in Kinecroft.

Rose Sutton, chair of the organising committee, said: “It was an absolutely fabulous day and an amazing turnout.

“People were dancing in the streets. Now it’s straight back into it, to organise next year’s event.”