GALLERY: Rose Fair parade, rich in variety and full of bewitching Romanesque and historic characters brought to life

OUT came the sun, out came the smiles, out came the fancy dress and out came the crowd to greet an uplifting, joyous and idiosyncratic parade of dinosaurs, meerkats, and loin clothed young men.

This was no ordinary carnival, this was Wisbech Rose Fair – so good as always they did it twice.

If you missed the late morning parade there was always the early afternoon parade to watch and cheer – and in massive numbers did the people of Fenland do that today.

Bedecked lorries sustain Rose Fair and did so again today, giving up their time and effort to allow community groups to wager devilment with design.

As the wagons rolled on through town, the cheering began – as a bewitching raft of Romanesque and historic characters emerged to entertain.

The theme was Wonders of the World and those taking part embraced it wonderfully if at times mischievously.

Clearly the ladies of the Red Hat brigade are if not wonders of the world most definitely wonders of our town.

Their smiling, party spirit enlivens any event and they need little coaxing to come out and entertain and be entertaining.

A couple of bystanders sharing a snake looked as if they could be part of the parade but clearly weren't.

It says much for the generous nature of Wisbechians that most if not all of those standing next to them battered not a single eyelid.

Walking wonders included the lady in yellow with a yellow parasol from which cascaded symbolic flowers but looked to all the world to be doubly rather pleasantly as an umbrella in case of rain.

The Mayor, Councillor Samantha Hoy, stayed loyal to tradition and maintained her robes- and her dignity- with considerable fortitude on one of the hottest days of the year.

She smiled, waved and helped to provide a day rich in tradition and ablaze with good humour and enjoyment.

The parade had winners – as the photos reflect- and we'll collate the full list over the weekend.

As the 50th Rose \Fair draws to an end there will be many delighted at its continued popularity – and even more grateful to the scores of volunteers across the community who will ensure its continuance for years to come.