OTLEY Carnival has been deemed a 'huge success' after hundreds of people took to the streets to celebrate after a two-year break.

The popular annual event celebrated its 40th anniversary at the weekend, after being called off in recent years due to the pandemic.

Carnival committee chairman, Nigel Gill said the day 'couldn't have gone any better.'

"The carnival went extremely well, and as chairman of the committee, I couldn't have asked for a more hard-working team. We've had so much positive feedback and the brilliant turnout is all down to them really.

"It's just great to be back, and to some kind of norm after two years of Covid. I've never seen so many people all walking over the bridge and taking part in my whole life.

"It was very busy, the music that was there was absolutely amazing, everyone was in high spirits, and I think the Carnival Queen and the rest of the parade had a really good time too," he said.

The parade of floats started at 12.30 pm on Saturday,18 June, from the Auction Market on Leeds Road and made its way through the town to finish at the Carnival Field at the Bridge End.

The floats were judged by a panel of judges and the winner of the adult category was Hug on a Tray whose theme was superheroes, and for the child category, St Joseph's Primary school won with the theme of 'The Queen's Canopy.'

Ahead of the event, there was also a window dressing competition where local shops and businesses took part.

A winner and highly commended window for each category were decided by a group of independent judges.

Joy’s Coffee shop (Market Place – Boroughgate) won the best window in the large category, followed by Coopland’s Bakery (Kirkgate) which was highly commended.

For the medium class, Peek-a-Boo bay wear (New Inn Court) came in on top, followed by Orchard Florist (Market Street) which was highly commended.

And for the small category, Otley Library (Nelson Street) came first, and St Gemma’s (Newmarket window) was highly commended.]

Other high-scoring windows include Hug-on-a-Tray (Manor Square), Salon Cabello (Clapgate), Parkgate café, Puffin Pottery (Boroughgate), Grade 1 barbers (Boroughgate) and Jenny’s Dresser (Cross Green).

The Carnival Committee would like to thank Gurjit Singh from Otley Pharmacy and John Glendinning from Glendenning Insurance Brokers for donating £250 each to Otley Carnival which helped the day go ahead.