VILLAGERS came out in force to follow the colourful floats through the streets of Eynsham for the 63rd carnival.

On Saturday, the streets were lined with people cheering on the procession of flower princesses, chimney sweeps and pirates.

The carnival was led by a brass band, with a car carrying carnival queen Lisa Gibbons, followed by a fancy dress parade.

The event began with the 51st shirt race, where participants in fancy dress pushed prams on a pub crawl round the village.

Kim Hall, Eynsham Carnival committee member, said: “There were 3,000 people last year, but I think there were much more this year.

“There’s around 5,000 people who live in the village and it’s pretty much the one day of the year when everyone comes out – whether you are old or young– and there is something for everybody. The colourful floats draw people into it.”

The fancy dress competition was judged by the chairman of Oxford United, Kelvin Thomas.

Stalls lined the playing fields — from plants to chocolate fountains — and people could buy fudge, pottery and arts in the craft tent.

Salvador Lavado, 33, came from London to take his girlfriend’s nephew George Lowe, three, to the carnival.

He said: “It’s great, lots of fun, with everyone all dressed up. It’s good to come up from the big Smoke and see the village carnival.”

Carol Barker was with Acre End Pre-School, in Eynsham, dressed up as Noddy.

She said: “It was quite busy and everyone makes a really good effort on carnival day.”

Martin Doidge, 47, of Eynsham, accompanied his 11-year-old daughter Phoebe, who was a May Queen attendant with Eynsham Primary School.

Mr Doidge said: “We had a nice time, I think everybody enjoyed themselves. It’s just the spirit of Eynsham — it’s big enough, but still small enough to enjoy.”

Eynsham Morris Men also danced during the event.

Morris man Pete Butler, 58, from the village, said: “There seemed to be a lot more stalls and there were so many more things this year and the weather held out.

“Generally, it is Eynsham families getting together — they separate out and then they all come back for this day to meet up and see all of their friends.”

Former carnival queen Kimberly Pinker, 28, of Carterton, came with her fiancé Philip Hampton and their four-month-old son Henry, along with her sister and parents.

Miss Pinker said: “I come back every year for this. I was carnival queen 15 years ago, so it’s a bit special.

“It is nice as it’s a family thing, and now that I have a baby of my own it’s nice to be part of it.”

Sister Sarah Henman, 25, of Carterton, was with her husband Peter, 33, and 12-day-old baby Lara.

She said: “It’s good to see everyone in Eynsham. It’s nice to catch up with everyone, especially as I have just had a baby to show off.

“It’s a really nice family day out and everyone seems to come year after year.”