The heavens opened, but the dark, cold night and downpours couldn't dampen the spirits as Carnival rolled into Shepton Mallet for the first since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic.

Dozens of colourful carts and walking entertainers wowed crowds, who wrapped up warm and hid under umbrellas as the event got underway, the winter skies lit up by pirates, samba, dragons and dinosaurs.

The royal themed 'Jubilation' cart which took part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant in June led the parade and got one of the biggest applauses of the night, the upbeat music that the party had well and truly started.

There was also huge support for Shepton club Shambles CC with their Hell of a Ride entry - blaze of demons rocking out to Nickelback's Burn it to the Ground. and winning first place in the local cart category. Gremlins Feast of Fools took home the most points for their cart, followed by Masqueraders with Masquerade.

The Carnival rolls into Wells on Friday night, before finishing the 2022 season in Glastonbury on Saturday. Welcome back, carnival - we've missed you.