More than 520 people took part in the parade, with many more lining the route to watch as all manner of wonderful characters wound their way through the streets.

After a short shower, the sun came out for the rest of the afternoon and shone on a day that brought fun for all the family.

Organised by HEADS and Thingumajig Theatre, the Handmade Parade had the theme of The Glorious Garden Party – prompting a stunning array of insects, birds, animals, flowers and other garden visitors.

As the parade danced its way from Victoria Road to Calder Holmes Park to the sound of samba bands, the crowd burst into spontaneous applause as they watched the giant queen bee puppet made by lead artist Alison Duddle, a menacing spider that squirted water into the crowds created by lead artist Dave Young, a large delicately constructed tree in green and purple made by parade artistic director Andrew Kim, and an exquisite giant snail created by lead artist Kerith Ogden.

The parade was led by musical garden gnomes, and featured music by four samba bands, including the newly formed house Handmade Samba Brigade led by Mitch Oldham, on stilts, and local street band the Peace Artistes.

Other large creations included a sun, turtle, dragonfly and a collection of large colourful flowers, as well as human-sized twites, made by children from Burnley Road and Scout Road Primary Schools in Mytholmroyd.

Characters also included a swarm of bees on scooters, butterflies, slugs and snails, marching ants, ladybirds, fruits and vegetables chasing rabbits. Dancing stilt walkers, dance pollinators and Brownies dressed as large caterpillars.

Spectators spoke of their amazement at the standard of the costumes, many of which had been created at special artist-led workshops organised by HEADS and Thingumajig Theatre over previous weeks. Diane Fare, 36, of Heptonstall, watching with her husband and two children Ellie, five, and Jake, nine months, said: "It's been a fantastic day for all the family. The costumes were incredibly imaginative and we'll definitely be in the parade next year."

Dance and music students from Calder High School welcomed the parade as it arrived in the park, with a community performance to celebrate the summer solstice. A giant sun was raised, which had been created by parade artists and adults. The Calder Valley Voices followed sets by the parade samba bands and the afternoon was rounded off with a performance by Sophia's Circle Dance group.

During the entertainment, local food was on sale, and families and friends enjoyed the carnival atmosphere of the event.

Among those taking part and dressed as lawn gentlemen were Coun John Beacroft-Mitchell, Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, and Deputy Major, Coun Robin Dixon.

Coun Beacroft-Mitchell said: "It's fantastic involving people of all ages from Hebden Royd.