AFTER a year of planning the 41st Otley Carnival took place on Saturday, June 17.

Thousands of visitors visit the town and not even the sudden downpour could dampen the carnival mood.

The parade was headed by Otley bellman Terry Ford and the Deputy Town Mayor and her Consort and was made up from various schools including Ashfield Primary School, Askwith School, St Joseph's, Westgate, The Whartons, All Saints and Prince Henry’s Grammar School.

Other organisations who took part included Otley Brass Band, Otley Carnival Stars, Little Green Frog Nursery, Monkey Puzzle, Zetsurin Karate, Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue, Crafty Bees, Otley Parish Church, Otley Medieval Society, Footloose Dance, 2nd Otley Scout , Yeadon Squadron of Air Cadets, Otley Ukulele Orchestra, White Rose Yorkshire, Steampunks, City of Leeds Pipe Band, Leeds Samba and Otley Brass Band

As usual judging was very difficult due to some tough competition and great creativity of the various organisations and schools.

The Parade Winners were as follows:

Adult Float/Walking Group: Winner – Otley Ukulele Orchestra; Runner Up – Otley Medieval Society.

Junior Organisation including Nursery: Winner – Little Green Frog; Runner Up – Footloose Dance.

School Walking Group: Winner - Westgate School; Runner Up – Askwith School.

School Float: Winner – All Saints School; Runner Up – Prince Henry’s Grammar School.

Collector’s Fancy Dress: The Bleasdale Family.

Mayor’s Choice: St Joseph’s School.

Overall Winner: Westgate School.

Down at the carnival field there was a variety of stalls from art and crafts, charity to many food options including beer. There were also fairground rides and a climbing wall.

Entertainment was provided by Otley Brass Band, The Drumming Binmen, Otley Ukulele Orchestra and Otley Drummers Circle on the Community Stage. While in the Performance Area there were performances from Irish Dance Academy and Zetsurin Karate.

On the main stage chairman of the carnival committee Nigel Gill welcomed people to this year’s event. The Deputy Mayor also made a short speech which led to committee members Sarah Jackson and Nicola Horner handing out awards for the Carnival Stars and parade winners and runners up. After handing out awards the main stage saw brilliant bands Radiodog, Secondhand Store, The Elastic Band and George Quinn and The Imbeciles.

Cllr Gill said: "The Carnival Committee would like to thank Coopers for providing wagons for the floats, parade judges and our sponsors including Otley Town Council and not forgetting out brilliant Carnival Stars who have been great ambassadors and carried out various charity events like handing out homeless hampers in Leeds, attending Otley Action for Older People’s Easter Party, Otley Town Council litter picks, helping switch on Otley Christmas Lights and helping Wildlife Friendly Otley and Otley 2030.

"If anyone would is interesting in joining our hardworking committee to email info@otleycarnival.co.uk"