HUNDREDS of children, parents, and grandparents flocked to this year's Chesham Carnival, with many hailing it as the biggest and best ever.

Temperatures rocketed for Chesham's annual showpiece event, which ensured as big a turnout as the town's carnival has ever seen.

Revellers enjoyed a range of activities, which included a wealth of raffles and tombolas, a bouncy castle, a playbus, and even master classes in DJ-ing and dancing.

Schools, Scouts, and church groups were just some of the organisations manning stalls and events for families to take part in.

Sgt Steve Buckland, from Chesham Police Station, has kept a watchful eye on the carnival for the last 15 years.

He said: "The parade was a bit longer than last year with a good mix of floats. There's been no trouble. It's just a really good event for the whole family."

Lisa Cox, of Taylors Road, Chesham, enjoyed the carnival with her two young children.

She said: "It seems a lot busier than usual, and the weather helps."

Her daughter, Georgia, aged five, said: "There's more sun this year."

Bob Oakes, 75, of Hillcroft Road, Chesham, is a veteran of the carnival and has seen many changes since it began and down through the years.

He said: "It's very good this year and it's certainly one of the best we've ever had. We seem to have more people here than we've had in the past few years. I've been coming here for about 40 years.

One particular carnival had a very special and very attractive guest that lives long in his memory.

Mr Oakes explained: "We had Diana Dors open the carnival in a Cadillac and she blew a kiss to everyone. She was like the Pied Piper drawing everyone in. She walked around a lot of the stalls and really got involved."

He also told the Free Press that the event is very important for the town and encourages trade.

Thano Kalmeris, owner of Perfect Pitch music shop on Chesham Broadway, said: "We don't have enough events like this where everyone gets together."

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