THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Wisbech on Saturday as the stunning Rose Fair parade made its way through a packed town centre.

The Capital of the Fens has been decked in colour since Wednesday with fabulous displays of blooms in churches around the town. However, the five-day event really exploded into life on Saturday morning with glorious sunshine adding to a vibrant carnival atmosphere.

A procession of stunning floats swept through Wisbech past cheering crowds who were treated to a sea of brightly-coloured groups, bands and vehicles. Exotic dancers, steel drums and smoking displays were just some of the action-packed highlights from a mind-blowing parade.

Schools, charities and organisations from across the district all took their chance to shine as people of all ages came together to enjoy the town’s 48th annual summer fair.

Rose Fair Queen Jasmin Jackson, 17, was all smiles as she waved to cheering revellers alongside her attendees, little Bethan and Megan Culley, as a shower of paper petals turned Wisbech a beautiful shade of red.

The Mayor of Wisbech Jonathan Farmer was joined by his wife, and Mayoress, Susanah and town Beadle Alistair Hopkins in lapping up the atmosphere. MP Steve Barclay also joined in on the celebrations which are expected to last long into the night.

The parade had to be held twice, at 11am and 2pm, such is its growing popularity, as crowds flocked from across East Anglia to the fair which is deemed by many to be the region’s premier flower festival.

The event finishes yesterday.

The pick of Saturday’s Rose Fair Tweets ...

John Elworthy, Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard editor: Rose Fair Parade is truly truly awesome. I am very proud to have an association with this extraordinary community #thankyou.

Lewis Thompson, Wisbech Town FC midfielder: Rose fair really makes you proud to come from Wisbech - top place.

Rob McGregor: Preparing Rose Fair survival kit. @Bouncybhall @AjWhoWhereWenn @McDunkee Coming up for a Rose Fair brew?

Samantha Hoy, Cambridgeshire County and Wisbech Town Councillor: @johnelworthy If you go down to DK Reptiles you can hold a snake. I have a photo with it.

Gary Tibbs: I had a good time at the Wisbech Rose Fair today #SurprisingButTrue

Nathan Smith: Had a short trip into town today for the annual Wisbech Rose Fair - parade was exceptional as ever - Smoke Machine Great Fire was my fave.

Nate White: Getting ready for the Rose Fair! Alison’s Street Dance Club are following the end of the parade and we’re ready to get you partying! :)

Gemma Vamos: Congrats to Petra Kvitova beating Shreikakova in straight sets, sorry I missed :( but had a wicked day at the Rose Fair.

Steve Tierney, Cambridgeshire County Councillor for the Roman Bank and Peckover ward of Wisbech: The Rose Fair has been a triumph. Everybody should be so proud. What a great day for Wisbech - as ever.