FROM scorcher to swimming pool - Prestwich Carnival went from one extreme to another.

The day started as the hottest of the year so far, but at 4pm the heavens opened and a thunder storm drenched St Mary's Park.

But far from being a washout, the fun continued with revellers and entertainers singing and dancing in the rain.

Organisers say the event on Sunday was the best ever, with more than 20,000 people enjoying the carnival parade and the park attractions.

The parade was the longest in recent history, with around 56 entries, but participants endured a 45-minute delay in sweltering heat when two of the vintage vehicles broke down in Whittaker Lane.

This in turn delayed the Court of Queens event in St Mary's Park, which had to be abandoned because of the heavy downpour.

Queens and parade organiser Janet McAvinue said: "It was disappointing as the girls have worked so hard and this was their day, but I was worried about the lightning and their safety has to come first.

"To be honest, everyone seemed to have such a nice day that it didn't matter and we are rearranging the event for September. At least it didn't rain earlier in the day as I would have been in tears if the procession had been ruined."

The initial good weather attracted revellers and thousands lined the pavements waiting for the procession along the streets.

The park was just as popular as families enjoyed the open-air entertainment from radio station, 96.2 The Revolution.

Acts included Kylie Minogue tribute Miss Kylie, boy band Twen2y4Se7en, local group Earl and performances from Class Act youth theatre group, from Prestwich.

Main attraction, JK as Robbie Williams, was running slightly late, but proved well worth the wait as he took to the stage with hit after hit.

Unfortunately, his performance coincided with the sudden downpour, but JK battled on through the rain and with support from the Class Act dancers he took his show to the beer tent where the crowd had gathered for shelter.

Using a donated umbrella, JK continued to sing for his fans, and was rewarded with the biggest cheer of the afternoon.

Chairman of the Sunshine Team, David Curtis, said: "What a day! And what a dramatic end to it all at 4pm with the storm. Before that, we had the longest parade and the biggest crowd ever. The collection buckets were extremely heavy at the end of the day and you couldn't move on St Mary's Park.

He added: "I want to thank everyone who helped to make it a success: we had a great show which continued during the rain and people have been very generous. The Sunshine Team do a great job and we had no complaints whatsoever."