Last updated 09:04, Monday, 23 June 2008

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COCKERMOUTH Carnival was not a washout despite heavy downpours and rain failed to dampen the spirits of carnival goers and those taking part in Saturday's parade.

Julie Laidlow, who organised the event, said the carnival was a huge success.

She said: “No-one pulled out of the parade, everyone turned out and they didn’t let the weather get them down.

“The rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. I feel the carnival was very successful and everyone I have spoken to has said how much they enjoyed it but unfortunately you can’t do anything about the weather.”

Leading the parade was brass band Cockermouth Mechanics, who played the Beatles' Yellow Submarine and the Colonel Bogey March as they marched through the rain-drenched streets.

Christine Shuttleworth, president of Cockermouth Lions, chose the Cockermouth Rock Festival float as the winning entry.

She said: “Despite it being an awful day, it wass such a great event and everyone has put in a lot of effort from children right up to the very elderly. The people of Cockermouth should be very proud. Everyone did very well.”

This year’s carnival queen was 10-year-old Emilie Lawson, of Gote Road, who took over from Chelsea Bacon.

Emilie said: “It feels good to be carnival queen. I have had a lot of fun today and seeing everyone as we went around town on the float was brilliant.”

Highlights of the carnival included the Fit Funky Fairies, who performed a dance to Girls Aloud’s Something Kinda Ooh.

The group was led by Mandy McAllister, fitness manager at Cockermouth Leisure Centre.

She said: “All the girls in the group attend my fitness classes. We did it for a bit of fun but also because we have a serious message about fitness and that is why we are here. We are also trying to raise a lot of money for the carnival.”

Children from the area dressed as lions, elephants and beat homemade drums as they marched through the streets of Cockermouth.

One boy travelled up from Bolton in Lancashire to take part in the carnival.

Jake Knight, 10, said: “My last name is Knight so I dressed up a knight in my armour. I am having a really good day.”

Carnival royalty included Snow Queen Nikki Hochman, six, of Low Road Close, Floral Queen Rebecca Laidlow, six, of Church Meadows, Broughton, Autumn Queen Libby Swain, six, of Challanor Street, Cockermouth, Winter Queen Elle Laidlow, five, of Gable Avenue and Ivy Queen Rachel Nixon, seven, of Cedar Lane.