The sun failed to show but crowds turned out in healthy numbers for Saturday’s Sittingbourne Carnival.

A total of 14 floats entered the parade, which started at Vicarage Road in Milton.

It wound its way through town centre streets and into the High Street before dispersing in East Street.

Queens from 14 carnival courts across Kent gave a pretty edge to the procession which this year included The Wonder Girls, a pom-pom troupe from Bognor Regis.

Before the parade itself, Sittingbourne Retail Association arranged live music, dance and a selection of food and drink stalls in the High Street.

It was also a chance for charity and community groups to promote to passers-by.

A town crier stationed at the junction of Central Avenue added a dash of colour – and noise – to pre-procession proceedings.

Following the carnival, an evening’s entertainment at Woodcombe Sports and Social Club was provided for visiting courts and judges.

The event’s street collection raised exactly £298 to help keep the annual event going.

Pam Griggs, chairman of Sittingbourne Carnival Association, said: “I think the day went well. A couple of people I spoke to at the evening event told me it was a very good parade.

“Hopefully everyone else thought the same. Parade highlights were the Wonder Girls and Sittingbourne Sea Cadets who towed a boat in the procession.”