AROUND 8,000 people turned out to enjoy the festivities at the bi-annual Accrington Carnival this weekend.

The much-anticipated bonanza was staged through the streets of the town on Saturday and saw huge crowds watch, follow, and take part in the traditional parade before being treated to several special events.

A procession started at 11am from the Globe Centre, in St James Square before it headed down Eagle Street, Blackburn Road, past the town hall, right into Plantation Street and ended in Park Street.

Field events were held at King George's Playing Fields, in Royds Avenue, where people were ferried on a free shuttle bus service from outside Mannings in Peel Street.

Britain's oldest and largest dark age re-enactment group, The Vikings, thrilled the crowds with an historically-realistic display of trading, culture, and battle.

The Prince of Wale's Royal Regiment Parachute Team also gave two display jumps, while Princess Elsa from Disney's Frozen made an appearance.

Accrington Carnival Queen Bethany Donohue, who was crowned last month, also formed part of the procession and took the waves from the crowds.

The 18-year-old, who wants to become a primary school teacher and work with disadvantaged children, is also looking forward to a year of being an ambassador for the district at public events.

Bethany is reading Education Studies at Leeds Beckett University, where she is known as 'the Accy Girl'.

Tracy Simmonds, the president of Accrington Lions, said: "Everybody had a great time and I'm glad that the rain held off.

"We have around 8,000 people turn out which is absolutely fantastic.

"It was a real team effort and it would not have been possible to hold it again this year without the help of the North Lancashire Training Group and our other sponsors.

"It was clear that a lot of people had put a lot of time and effort into making floats and this year's event was a real success.

"The carnival has been running since 1926 and the lions have been organising it since 1989.

"I have been involved for the last seven years and I think that this year was another great event."

Fred Yearing, 20, from Accrington, said: "It's great that people will take the time to organise such a large event like this for the community.

"It has become a real vocal point in the local calendar and it would be a shame if it was not held one year.

"Everybody has had a great time again this year and I hope it will return again in two years time."