ABOUT 2,500 late summer revellers gathered for one of Marlow's longest running and most popular events.

Marlow Carnival, which has been going for about 30 years, featured a variety of entertainment acts in Higginson Park on Saturday.

Soul singers from a Ugandan orphanage were one of the highlights, while Jane Daly, who carried the Olympic flame, showed off her torch.

Organisers estimate they have raised about £2,000, which will go towards the upkeep of Liston Hall.

Organiser Peter Donegan said: "It went very well, we've not got a final figure just yet but it appears to be better last than year when we raised under £1,000.

"The highlights were, I think, the people who performed. "They were all very good, particularly a lad aged 13 on the violin from Marlow Music Festival was quite outstanding "Through the Churches Together organisation we had soul singers who had come from a Ugandan orphanage, who were great."

Other music and dance acts included Stagecoach from Marlow, High Wycombe, Maidenhead and Henley, Breaking Point from High Wycombe and Jane Douglass of Youth Moves.

Mr Donegan, who has been organising the event for eight years, said: "It was beautiful weather and it was hot all day which brought the crowds out.

"People said it created a community spirit and was well laid out.

"The adventure boot camp obstacle course, which replaced the tug of war, was enjoyed by lots of kids but some adults as well."

He paid particular thanks to barbecue and tea tent organisers Phil Bowditch and Jane Daly.

See more pictures in today's Marlow Free Press newspaper.