THOUSANDS attended Hale Barns Carnival over the weekend as it delivered on its promise to be ‘bigger and better’ than last year’s inaugural event.

The carnival saw over 280 performers take to the main stage with everything from Irish dance schools and princess shows to award winning tribute acts flown in from America and celebrity pop ups.

Over 10,000 people attended over the weekend to see a showcase of the best of the local area with performers hand selected from the region.

Highlights included the foodie village, birds of prey, a traditional funfair and a classic car and Supercar display worth over £12million (including James Bond's actual Aston Martin from blockbuster movie Spectre).

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The evening concerts returned this year with two feel good tribute concerts. Saturday night saw The Sound of Bowie, Andrew Browning as George Michael and the Pretend Beatles rock the main stage.

Over 2000 people danced the night away on St Ambrose playing fields on Sunday night as the carnival was transformed into the ultimate disco.

The Bootleg Beegees, Tameka Jackson as Diana Ross and ABBA Revival entertained revellers, before a dazzling firework display too brought the evening to a climatic close.

Event Organiser Max Eden said: "This year has truly been amazing, I’m so grateful for everyone that’s come out and supported this year’s event.

"My aim when I started the carnival last year was to create a community event that everyone can enjoy, to come together and have a good time with friends and new friends to be; and it’s great to see everyone embrace it. This carnival really is for everyone.

"When Tameka (Diana Ross) came off stage, she started crying because she said she was so overwhelmed by the amount of joy and love their was in the audience.

"And that pretty much sums up the atmosphere at this year’s event, one whole community coming together to share the experience."

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He added: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported the carnival this year, including all of our amazing sponsors.

"Benchmark Security and Duerrs, The National Lottery Big Fund for supporting us, the traders, the stage team, the volunteers and our fabulous audiences on both nights’.

Mr Eden said he is hopeful the carnival will return next year, after this year's success.

Hale Barns Carnival is a not for profit event with all the money raised going into community projects, including a new community hall in Hale Barns.