The threat of rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of spectators and ­participants in this year’s Dunmow Carnival procession.

Hundreds of people gathered around the high street to cheer the floats, and marvel at the spectacular cavalcade.

During the parade, the crowd were treated to performances by the Dunmow Majorettes, the Army Cadets band, and dancing from members of the Sceneii theatre troupe.

It also featured elaborately dressed theatre companies, showcasing the wealth of amateur dramatics in the area.

The Dunmow Pantomime Group won best float for their depiction of Beauty and the Beast.

Matthew Blanks, chairman of the Dunmow Panto, said: “We feel ­brilliant. We’ve put a lot of hard work into our shows every year and to get recognition by winning first prize at the carnival is a brilliant result.”

Sarah Taylor, a 13-year-old member of the Dunmow Theatre Dance School, has been involved in the carnival procession for many years.

“I really love taking part in it every year and the crowd were really supportive,” said Sarah.

After the parade, spectators flocked to the recreation ground, which had been transformed into a funfair and bustling market place.

Throughout the afternoon many youth groups performed for the crowd, while they perused the ­charity stalls – the event is expected to raise £50,000 for local charities.

Mayor Jonathon Cadwallader, who also took part in the carnival ­procession, was ecstatic with the year-on-year support the carnival gets from the community.

He said: “You can see how popular it is, and the people of Dunmow work tirelessly to make it a success.”

By 6pm, the market place had been transformed into a concert venue, where music-lovers were treated to an evening of music from tribute acts such as the Wanted Direction, One Step Behind and Total Jam.

“This is absolutely amazing, almost like a festival,” said mother-of-two Jackie Connors.