Once again the weather forecast was inconclusive. On Wednesday it was either going to rain or it was not. It makes little difference as the event will always go on regardless. However, it simply helps when deciding what to wear.

What impact would the Credit Crunch have? Did anyone have any money left? Would anyone come out? Once again the residents of Braintree stepped up to the challenge and were not found wanting.

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch an impressive 36 entrants in the procession. The quality of the floats was incredible and the theme, Four Seasons, was used to provide everything from cricketers to snowmen.

The official opening by Carnival Queen Rebekah Scase was then followed a fun packed afternoon of entertainment on Meadowside. This included Abbababes , The Blue Falcons, Ukan Dance, Braintree Marxmen and topping of the bill, the return of the Cumberland Giants.

Top local bands Fooled by Chance and In Equinox played through to 10pm when the day finally came to a close.

Packing away went well despite lower numbers than the previous couple of years. I guess we must have worked harder and it was all completed by 1:30am. Amazingly, just as we coiled up the last cable, the generator spluttered its last having run out of fuel.

Hope you enjoy looking through the pictures and see you all again next year.