THE sun shone, the band played and Alton came alive with cheering, flag-waving crowds who lined the streets for the Carnival procession winding its colourful way through town on May 26.

Revived, after not being held for several years, for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations last year, this second carnival, organised by Alton Town Council, could open the way for it to become an annual event again.

Warm weather, after the coldest May for years, helped to set the scene of colour and sparkle and the floats and walking groups took time in the sun to parade and greet the crowds.

For full story and pictures, see this week's Alton Herald.