THOUSANDS llined the streets to watch as the Ulverston Carnival brought an explosion of colour, music and mischief to the town.

This year’s theme — ‘That’s Entertainment’ — meant the biggest names in showbiz were represented during Saturday’s event.

There was a small army of Laurel and Hardy lookalikes, a Shrek and even the band Kiss took part in a parade through the town, which was described as ‘the biggest event of the year’.

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A massive dance competition took place in Ford Park with new Mayor Coun Helen Irving acting as judge.

More than 4,000 people watched the dance troupes compete, with a samba group from Sir John Barrow Primary stealing the show.

“I think it was great for the town,” said Coun Irving. “It got better and better as the day went on. There was a real buzz about the place.”

Coun Paul Smith, who attended with his young children, said: “It was lovely to see the amount of young people about, it was a great community day. Everyone was really enthusiastic this year. Ford Park was absolutely packed and it was great to see so many people there with their families.”

Ulverston Inshore Rescue drove their quad bikes through the town centre and Ralph Spours, a local estate agent, spent the day in the stocks as children, and a few adults, paid to throw cold water over him.

Throughout the day people were collecting money for the Friends of Coronation Hall, a group dedicated to protecting and improving Ulverston’s iconic cultural hub.

It is not yet known how much was raised but it is believed to be in the thousands.

Other charities which benefitted from this year’s carnival were the Ulverston Disabled Club and The Wednesday Club, both of which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled people.