Crowds packed the streets of Banbury on July 7 to watch the annual carnival procession.

More than a dozen floats toured the town in a display of noise and colour that has become a trademark of the carnival.

Among the floats were Bishop Loveday School, 2nd Banbury Rainbows, 2nd and 9th Banbury Brownies, Chernobyl Children's Lifeline, Willy Freund Youth Club, Barry Callebaut, Harriers School, and the Banbury Cross Players.

The parade was led by the Melton Mowbray Toy Soldiers and included the Banbury Cross Twirlers.

The carnival began at midday with a Radio Horton Roadshow and funfair in Market Place, and the procession began at 1pm.

While charity stalls in the High Street did good business and children queued for funfair rides, other entertainment was provided in Market Sqaure by the Ulla Academy of Arts, the Twirlers, a stilt walker, a fire eater, and a marching display by the Toy Soldiers.

The event was organised by the Banbury Cross Round Table, and sponsored by Bryant Homes, Castle Quay, Connells, and Chelston Motorhomes. All proceeds will go to charity.