Crowds gathered for Sway’s annual carnival procession

PIRATE cats, Mr Men and dashing superheroes were among the colourful characters to join Sway’s annual carnival procession.

The culmination of a 10-day programme of community fun, the parade saw large numbers gathered both to take part and support the festivities with an array of colour costumes inspired by this year’s ‘animation’ theme.

Setting off from the village hall, participants bopped, jived and shimmied their way along Station Road, before concluding their procession at the Jubilee Fields for a lively after party.

A spokesperson for Sway Carnival Committee said: “The 25 events of Sway Carnival this year were enjoyed and supported throughout the week by the people of Sway.

“As always the fete and procession took centre stage with more arena events at the fete this year and an incredibly high standard of procession entries. Huge congratulations go to Spudworks and friends who won the top prize for the procession with their first ever entry.

“Our thanks go out to everyone, whether that is Carnival committee, helpers, sponsors, businesses, clubs, societies and of course attendees. It is the Sway committee that make carnival week so special... and it was!”

Prizes were awarded to the best group and individual entries with SpudWorks and friends winning the small group category with their Pirate Cats entry (and the Mollie Mould Trophy for best in procession), second place went to Sway Brownies and Guides who were Mr Men and Little Misses, and third place went to St Luke’s Church who were princes and princesses.

The best large group was awarded to Children of Sway with Trolls; second place went to Little Flyers with Toy Story; third was Sway Beavers, Cubs and Scouts with Superheros.

The adult prizes went to 1st Sway WI with Muffin the Mule; second was Eco Sway with James and the Giant Peach; and third Sway Tennis Club with Lego Tennis.

Among other events during the 10-day festivities was scarecrow trails, a family arts afternoon, a fete and dog show, jazz evenings, treasure hunts, a talent night, beetle drive, garage sales and children’s discos.

Scarecrow results: (single entries) 1st Dumbo - Manchester Road; 2nd, Peter Rabbit - Durrant Way and 3rd Aladdin - Tarna Brighton Road.

Joint entries and businesses: 1st Thanks a Minions - Birchy Hill; 2nd, A to Zebedee - St James Road and 3rd, Scare Bob, Scare Pants - Setthorns Campsite.

For more pictures and to buy images, visit: photos.iliffemedia.co.uk/p965118551