PICTURES AND VIDEOS: Leigh Carnival delivers booming atmosphere to town

People lined the streets to watch the Leigh Carnival 2019- Carnival in Motion parade make its way from Spinning Gate car park towards Bradshawgate where smiling residents watched the hive the activity that was coming their way.

The parade, which set off at 11am, was led by a pick up vehicle towing folk legend Jesse the Cropper's bike.

Matthew Melling, known as the Wigan Runner, who officially started the event with a 5k run through the town, stood on the back of the vehicle, lapping up the buoyant atmosphere.

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Drummers and dance groups kept the lively mood up during the parade, while community organisations made sure there was plenty of colour.

A large creative work depicting Leigh scientist Kathleen Drew-Baker was carried through the town with figures making reference to the town's mining past also taking part.

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Riders from Leigh Scooter Club also joined in with the action as well as two David Brown Tractors.

After the parade returned to the festival site at Spinning Gate, a plethora of entertainment greeted visitors.

Organisations across the town had stalls set up with plenty of children's entertainment on offer.

A mobile youth zone bus proved to be a popular attraction too.

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Picture: Kieran Dandy

Groups that performed in the parade took to the stage to provide more excitement to the crowd that watched on with joy.

A large Silcocks funfair was there too.