THIS week we wanted to take a look back at Whitehaven Carnival.

The festival was held annually in the summer and was one of the highlights of the year for so many people.

The event took over the whole town starting from the outskirts and working its way right through the town centre.

Crowds gathered along the pavements as floats of all kinds passed by many from local social groups and children's activity clubs.

Many schools liked to take part in the carnival and often designed their own floats with a unique theme.

It was a way for the people of Whitehaven to celebrate all that was good about the town and experience all of what the area had to offer.

The carnival ran for years and for many years was organised by the Lions Club which was a group local to Whitehaven.

Unfortunately, in 2018, due to a lack of help available from volunteers the carnival ceased to run anymore.

However, many people in the area still have fond memories of their summer afternoon spent having fun and a laugh together.

It is said that the festival dates back over a century, first starting as a fancy dress parade back in 1897 as a way to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

From humble beginnings the carnival grew to be one of the most popular of its kind in Cumbria.

People from across the area turned out to enjoy the attractions that were on offer.

Whilst the carnival may seem like a distant memory in Whitehaven now, we can only hope that one day it may return to out streets.