AROUND 2,000 people thronged the streets of Welwyn on Saturday for the village’s much-loved annual costume parade.

As temperatures soared, residents and visitors alike watched as a fire engine from WGC led a procession of adults and children along the High Street, many of whom were dressed as animals from the story of Noah’s Ark.

As smiling onlookers waved and cheered, the procession headed for the traditional family fun day at Singlers Marsh, off Codicote Road.

Here, people were able to enjoy a range of activities, including a duck race, a coconut shy, boules, pony rides, archery, a hog roast and a beer tent.

There were also stalls selling a number of items, including toys, cards, jewellery and bric- a-brac.

Festival group committee member, Ruth Brett, described the day as “fantastic”.

She added: “The chairman of the Welwyn Festival Group, Andy Trotter, had unfortunately been taken ill at the beginning of the week, but the team responded in his absence to make this event one of the best fun days ever.

“Everyone sends their best wishes to Andy for a speedy recovery.”

The festival week rounded off on Sunday with a range of activities, including a natural history talk, a tennis tournament and a darts competition.