The event kicked off with a parade of floats from Margaret Field, each decorated to a theme of Periods in History.

The parade was led by carnival king Alex Cornwell as Alfred the Great, Queen Lois Weaver as Henry VIII and attendants Verity Routley, who dressed up as Anne Boleyn and Thomas Plowman as a Pharaoh.

Burwell Guides won best float with a Suffragette theme which saw youngsters demanding votes for women and 1st and 2nd Burwell Rainbows came second with their take on Ancient Egypt.

Third place was awarded to 1st Burwell Cubs with a creative Man on the Moon float which included a smoke machine and rocket from recycled goods.

“Things went well for us and the slight initial rain at the end of the parade cleared to give us a fab day, enjoyed by all those that came along,” said Peter Lancaster, carnival programme co-ordinator.

“Preliminary takings look like we are on course to do roughly the same amount, of not hopefully more, than last year, which is great during these tighter financial times.”

The carnival was held on Burwell Village College school field where visitors enjoyed a number of attractions including a children’s entertainer, live music and the tug of war challenge between local pubs, won by the ex-servicemen’s team.

Performances on stage were carried out by Viva Youth Theatre, Burwell Village College Choir and a display from Burwell Karate Association.

A variety of side shows, stalls run by organisations, tombolas and games were also held.

The popular village event was given the go-ahead by organisers despite fears it could be cancelled because of an outbreak of swine flu at the primary school.