IT was third time lucky as the sun finally decided to shine on what turned out to be a bumper Otley Carnival after two ‘washout’ years.

Ominous-looking rain clouds had been replaced by brighter skies by lunchtime on Saturday to ensure a long and colourful parade was greeted by large, happy crowds as it made its way through town.

Bellman Paddy Steval and his deputy Bomber Wilson, both on electric bikes, led the procession. They were closely followed by the City of Leeds Pipe Band and Carnival Queen Helen Winpenny and her attendants in an open-top car.

Mr Wilson said: “It was excellent fun and the bikes held up very well. I would recommend them to anyone. And the weather’s been fantastic, what a great day!

“We always like to try and do something different each year so we’ll be looking at something else again for next year’s parade.”

Hundreds of people lined the parade route to ensure the dazzling mix of floats, walking tableaux and bands all got a rousing reception as they made their way from Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart to the gala field.

The school entries in particular, which included Chinese dragons, a walking maypole, cowboys and Indians, cavemen, bees, Bollywood dancers and pirates, were all cheered on. Wharfedale Hospital’s Sound of Music float also proved popular while Otley Sailing Clubs Vikings float, complete with an impressive looking longship, drew gasps of admiration.

Leslie and Glenda Buttle, from Cookridge, were in town shopping when they were pleasantly surprised by the parade. They said: “It was a wonderful procession with lovely floats, especially from the children, and we’re glad the weather has stayed nice for them – it wasn’t looking so good when we left home!”

Bright sunshine greeted the large crowds who followed the parade down to the showfield at Bridge End, which was soon packed by people enjoying everything from a majorettes display to an up-close look at some large birds of prey.

Young visitors were particularly well catered for, and kept their parents’ wallets and purses busy as they enjoyed Punch and Judy shows, go-karts, huge inflatable slides, bungee swings and a climbing wall.

Town Mayor Councillor Gerard Francis, after crowning this year’s Carnival Queen, said: “It has been a fantastic day with great weather.

“The crowds have been fantastic too, and it was a wonderful parade. I went around and looked at all the floats before the parade started and they were all excellent.”

Charles and Joan Holden, of Bradford Road, Otley, had taken their six-year-old grandson Joshua to the event.

They said: “We come every year and this one was lovely, a really good show, and the warm weather really helped. I think all the youngsters loved it.”

A few politicians could also be spotted enjoying some time off among the crowds, including Otley’s MP Greg Mulholland and his family and Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) and his wife, Bev.

Coun Downes said: “When it rained first thing in the morning I feared the worst and thought ‘here we go again’.

“But it has turned out fabulous and it’s as big a crowd as I’ve ever seen for the carnival. It’s been a wonderful day.”