It was all plain sailing for a market town carnival as the pirate themed event drew record crowds.

The third Wymondham Carnival brought an estimated 7,000 people to the town, many of whom embraced this year's sea-faring theme by sporting eye patches, Jolly Rogers and bandanas.

Visitors were treated to a stunning parade, in which more than 20 floats sailed through the town centre, and musical entertainment from the finalists of this year's Wymondham's Got Talent Competition.

Carnival committee chairman Tony Holden said Saturday's event, organised by Wymondham Business Group, was 'the best to date'.

'At the end of the day we had a ska band playing and the market square was full of people dancing. It gives you such a good feeling and makes the hard work worth it. The whole thing was spectacular.

'So many people had got into the spirit of the theme. I've never seen so many pirates in Wymondham! It was a very popular theme and one we will probably do again.

'It is an event that get more popular year on year – it's part of everyone's calendar now,' he said.

Norwich Samba Band took part in the piratey parade, which saw Wymondham Guides crowned the winners of the float competition.

There was dancing entertainment from a Zumba group and Norfolk Popercise, and music from Wymondham Rock Choir, last year's Wymondham's Got Talent winner Martha Dack, Sundown Festival performer Emma Fleming, and Suffolk band Ska'd 4 Life.

The winner of this year's talent competition was also announced on stage. First place and £700 prize money went to Maya Law, Mark Ferris came second and won £200, and Aisha Aldris was third and won £100.

Mr Holden thanked Wymondham Business Group, main sponsors Fosters Solicitors (who also donated the Wymondham's Got Talent prize money), South Norfolk Council, Valley Services, and the carnival's small core of volunteers.

'The volunteers don't get a lot of praise, but it was a great effort by them,' he added.

Mayor of Wymondham Joe Mooney said: 'The carnival was an outstanding success.

'There was a great atmosphere in the town on Saturday and lot of people told me that they really enjoyed all of the events such as the parade, the music, the stalls, the Wymondham's Got Talent final and the Wymondham in Bloom competition.

'Well done to all of the volunteers who through hard work and commitment managed to put on a great carnival.'