AROUND 10,000 revellers headed to Ulverston on Saturday to bask in the sun and enjoy the sounds of the 2013 Ulverston Carnival.

Carnival Organiser Peter Winston said the town was ‘buzzing’ as people lined the streets to watch more than 100 local schools, groups and organisations take part in the annual parade.

“We had 102 entries initially, plus a few latecomers,” said Mr Winston. “They must have all been enjoying themselves because the parade took a long time to go all around the town.”

He added that the number of entrants and spectators exceeded last year: “It’s a great boost for the town - parts of it were heaving and the pubs were busy well into the night.”

Main roads in the centre of Ulverston were closed for the procession of bands, floats and dancers, which started its route from Hart Street.

The event was free to attend but any donations raised will go to a various local youth projects, including the Scouts and Furness Young Carers.

The theme for this year’s parade was ‘Celebrate your favourite decade’, allowing entrants to pick music and costumes from the era that meant the most to them.

Ulverston Fire Brigade won the prize for the Most Humorous entry with its hilarious ‘Moves Like Jagger’ theme.

Other winners from the day were Boom Gang, who went home with the Best Band title, and Ford Park Community Group, who were named Best in Parade.

The John Barrow School won the Best School prize for their 1960s theme, and the Old Friend was awarded Best Pub.

The day started with some punishment in the Market Place stocks for local ‘miscreants’ - around 40 volunteers who were given a dousing for offences including serving the worst ale in town.

The carnival also included stalls, attractions and a climbing wall at the traditional gala at Ford Park.