IT was the most impressive parade in many years, according to the organisers of this weekend’s Tadcaster carnival.

The annual celebration went ahead on Sunday afternoon, starting with a parade through the town and entertainments including bands, dance performances and even a dog show were set to stretch into the evening.

The day started when fire brigade led the traditional parade and were followed through the town by floats from schools and community groups, local performers the Travelling Band, and Sam Smith’s traditional heavy horse pulled dray, this year in their full formal dray.

Carnival chairman Nick Brown said: “It was fantastic. Near the brewery the crowds were six deep watching the parade and we had a lot more walking floats this year which means more people can be involved.”

Taking part for the first time this year was Riverside Community Primary School, with the cast of the leavers show the Pirates of Penzance, and even a heavy rainstorm in the middle of the afternoon could not stop the celebrations.