The bad weather that had been forecast for Saturday afternoon thankfully stayed away and the gathered spectators enjoyed a warm, dry afternoon for the festivities.

Proceedings started with the annual 5km road race, which takes place just before the parade, and this year attracted almost 200 athletes.

Then the traditional parade. Led by Fairfield Band, the procession featured a wide spectrum of colourful floats and foot characters.

At the head were Buxton's 2009 Carnival retinue — queen Holly Cole, rosebud Monica Eccles and attendants Paige Farlam, Chloe Berry and Sarah Jane-Day closely followed by retinue from a number of local towns including Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith.

Buxton Sea Cadets went back to the time of the Vikings, Fairfield Brownies took a trip around the world while Top Gear's famous racing driver The Stig even made an appearance courtesy of Swain's.

Other floats and entrants included Down on the Farm with Peak Forest School, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by the Flash kids and a heroes float from Buxton RUFC.

The Pirates of the Caribbean, Buddy Holly and the Wizard of Oz were also all represented in the procession.

Music came from a variety of sources including High Peak Samba, Burbage Band and the Dronfield St John Ambulance Band. And Buxton's ever popular Billerettes were a firm crowd favourite.

* Don't forget to see our video footage from Buxton Carnival by clicking here http://www.buxtonadvertiser.co.uk/bavideo/VIDEO-Buxton-Carnival-2009.5454577.jp