Bumper crowds braved gloomy weather forcecasts and turned out for this year's Horley Carnival, being rewarded with fun in the sun.

The day's wet start soon gave way to sunshine as the popular free event's mix of family fun, displays, a floats procession and stalls, centring on Horley Recreation Ground, got under way – and the forecast thunderstorms stayed away.

Kicking off at noon in the recreation ground, the carnival proper began with the procession of floats making their way there from the town centre at 1am.

The floats had been designed in line with the carnival's theme of “Musicals” and were in deed led in the procession with walking groups by the musical talents of the Redhill Corps of Drums Band and the Gatwick Caledonian Pipes and Drums.

The Bull pub chose the mods and rockers theme with its entry entitled Quadrophenia, featuring mods on scooters, while Horley Infants School teamed up with the Rotary Club of Horley for its Vikings-themed float – complete with youngsters in horned helmets.

But it was Southlands Church's dramatic Lion King entry which won the competition for best float, which was judged at the recreation ground by Horley mayor Richard Olliver, with Reigate and Banstead mayor Dr Lynne Hack.

They also plumped for the Labyrinth group from the Albert Road Sports and Social Club as winners of the annual fancy dress competition.

The day also saw arena displays, including from Redhill Corps of Drums Band and dance groups, music from Vegas Nights and rock group Blown Gasket, a ride-on model railway, funfair, and some classic cars from the Morris Minor Club, as well as around 60 stalls set up.

Describing last year's carnival as a “roaring success,” Horley town councillor and chairman of the carnival organising committee, Mike George, said: “This was the same.

“Judging by the feedback we are getting from people who attended, I would say it was even better.

“We had more people offering to do arena items than we had time for.”

The town carnival was revived after many years by Horley Town Council and local groups and businesses after the success of the Queen's Jubilee Fun Day celebrations of 2012.