SPECTACULAR acrobatics and lively music helped make this year's Crewe Carnival another crowd-pleaser.

Thousands of people flocked to Queens Park after hundreds had earlier lined the route of the traditional walking parade through the town led by the Crewe and Nantwich Festival Samba Band.

And hours later the park was turned into a concert venue as soap and pop star Jason Donovan headlined this year's Party in the Park.

The 107th annual carnival was officially opened by Crewe and Nantwich mayor Brian Silvester on Saturday.

He told the crowds this was the last carnival to be organised by Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, as the authority will be abolished next year.

Mr Silvester said: "The borough council first organised the carnival in 1974, but this will be the last time. Let's make it one we will remember for years."

Entertainment included the Black Eagles acrobatic and dance troupe, a trio of performers who learnt their amazing skills on the streets of Dar-es-Salaam.

Their half-hour routine featured numerous breathtaking manoeuvres including summersaults, handstands and tumbling.

Sharon Crimmins-Lewis, of Minshull New Road, Crewe, who watched their performance, said: "They were brilliant and they must be so fit and healthy."

Other performers included The Real Macaws, who entertained the crowd with their blend of New Orleans Jazz, Reggae and Samba, and the mountain bike stunt riders of Team MAD.

Victor Richardson and wife Sheila, of Rothesay Avenue, The Westlands, had come to the festival for the first time, and were impressed with the entertainment.

Victor, aged 64, said: "My son Carl and his wife Karen live in Crewe, and so we've come with them.

"It's been a very good day, and the weather's been fine. Team Mad were fantastic."

Tracey Bateman, aged 42, of Shavington, added: "The entertainment has been fantastic."

Now the running of next year's carnival is set to pass to the new Cheshire East authority which starts operating from April 1.

David Owen, from the borough council's events team, said: "We're pleased with the turnout. "