THE FORCE was strong with this year’s Otley Carnival.

Despite a stormy forecast the weather stayed mostly dry for the 2018 event which kicked off in traditional style, with a colourful parade through town, at 1.15pm on Saturday, June 16.

A Star Wars stormtrooper plus Darth Maul, ukulele players dressed as hippies, Flintstones characters and even Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don - or his likeness, courtesy of Otley in Bloom - all took part.

Crowds lined the route and cheered on the long procession of decorated floats, walking groups, novelty and VIP carrying vehicles and bands.

Otley Town Council Chair Ray Georgeson enjoyed the day dressed as Otley’s most famous son, Thomas Chippendale - appearing as the master furniture maker on the council’s parade float.

He said: “It was a real bonus that the weather just about held for everyone - I was worried I might end up more ‘Drippendale’ than Chippendale, but as it turned out the carnival lived up to its great reputation.

“We had a lot of fun creating the Chippendale float and were grateful for all the cheers and support!

“Thanks again to the hard working team of volunteers who make Otley Carnival so special.”

The fun continued afterwards at the Carnival field, on Bridge End.

The carnival’s Press Officer, Nigel Gill, said: “We have had another successful year and the forecast didn’t deter people from thronging the carnival route.

“The parade was led by Otley Bellman Terry Ford and included vehicles ranging from a Saab convertible, a 1951 AC Buckland car and a 1984 Leyland Roadrunner to transport the Carnival Queen with her consort and retinue, and other dignitaries, to the carnival field.

“The crowds were entertained by the City of Leeds Pipe Band, Otley Brass Band, Otley Ukulele Orchestra, Foxwood Steel Bandits, Belebele, Westgate Cheerleaders and Tewit Youth Band.

“After the parade the crowds descended to the carnival field to see Lily Cullen, accompanied by her retinue, being crowned Carnival Queen.

“They also watched displays which included demonstrations by Hawkeye Falconry, Footloose Dance Display and a game by Weston Lane Junior Football Club’s Under 9s team.”

Weston Lane Juniors’ Under 11s side took part too, recreating the penalty shootout which won them the Craven, Aire and Wharfe U11 Trophy Cup this year. The club is currently looking for coaches to start an Under 8s team - anyone interested should send an e-mail to westonlanejuniors2018@outlook.com .

Mr Gill added: “We would like to thank everyone who entered or watched the procession, made donations and visited the carnival field .”

Proceeds from the day will be shared between Friends of Otley Lido, Otley in Bloom and The Yorkshire Children’s Hospitals 2018 Christmas Gift Appeal.