RUARDEAN Carnival’s run of luck in bringing out the sunshine held true again this year with an estimated 3,000 adults and children flocking into the village.

This year, there were more floats, showcasing the skills and art of numerous local groups, with the best float being Peacock Palace. Second was Rapunzel’s Castle and third Grease.

An amazing number of walkers in fancy dress were out in costume, with the cast of the Wizard of Oz out in force.

As well as floats and walkers, the parade included, among others, The Brothers of Blue, Harmony Twirlstars, Cinderford Walking Band, numerous vintage tractors and a superb American classic car, with Phil Jones’s Aveling and Porter steamroller bringing up the rear.

Events on the recreation ground took place all afternoon in the arena and on the stage, with local singer Sophie Cotterell finishing the show off with an excellent performance.

The World Record for drinking a pint of warm Horlicks was not broken this year, but George Jayne, stalwart of the carnival’s organising committee, made a personal best of 44 seconds - sadly, some 37 seconds behind the world record holder.

This year’s Carnival Princess was Molly White, aged seven, while her attendants were Emmie Porter, Libby Cottrell, Lily Bevan and Wendy Nash.