It was smiles all round yesterday as the extravaganza that is Weymouth Carnival drew to a close.

The 24 degree heat saw an estimated 100,000 people descend upon the seafront, firmly putting to bed memories of last year’s washout.

The day started with a balcony coronation of the carnival queen, Claudia Moore, and princesses, Emma Cottingham and Maisie Sheridan, at the New Vic Hotel on the Esplanade.

It was Cllr Richard Kosior's honour, as the mayor of Weymouth and Portland to drape the royalty with their ceremonial sash at 10am.

Cllr Kosior said: “It is a privilege to be asked to crown the carnival queen and princesses, not only to be mayor, but to be part of all this.

“When we were at the judging of the carnival queen, it was one of the hardest things I’ve done so far.

“But to be up there with them was an absolute pleasure and I wish them all the best for the future.

“The carnival is excellent exposure for Weymouth and Portland – the crowning of the events season.”

After their coronation in front of crowds of holidaymakers and locals alike, the carnival queen and princesses walked along the Esplanade and took in all the carnival had to offer.

Claudia Moore said: "It's been great. We were spoiled all morning and made to feel really special.

"We've got lots of charity things to do throughout the year. I'm doing the Weldmar Colour Run and a sky dive.

"Maisie and Emma have done a lot of ticket selling for the prize draw."

With the mayor, they went on the judge the sandcastle competition held on the beach from 12pm.

Mark Pearce, 53, whose nephew Joseph Higgins, 11, won the under-12s sculpture competition, said: "It's a fantastic setting for a well-organised event.

"We couldn't have wished for a better week in a lovely place with kind people."

Stuart and Natalie Barker and their daughter won the family category of the competition with their Finding Dory themed sculpture.

They have come to Weymouth five times but only once to the carnival.

Mrs Barker said: "It's lovely weather, and we're enjoying the sunshine and the beach.

"It's really good fun. We just love the beach in Weymouth."

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took promptly to the skies at 3pm, with the historic Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster aeroplanes roaring overhead.

David Wyatt, holidaying from Salisbury for the week, said: “I really enjoyed watching the Battle of Britain go over.

“Some of us are old enough to remember it, my father could have worked on one of those planes.”

As well as the many attractions revellers enjoyed fairground rides, a food village and live music throughout the two days.

Charlotte Reed, Weymouth, said: “We’ve been coming to Weymouth Carnival forever and ever.

“I have a picture of my dad on a float when he was 21 and he’s in his 70s now.

“It’s been really good this year, a real improvement on the last few years, I think they’ve put in a lot of effort.”

Following on from the Second World War jets, there was even more excitement in the air as the Red Arrows returned after a one-year absence due to last year’s wash-out weather.

Out of the skies and onto the sand Weymouth and Portland RFC were offering up touch rugby to everyone on the beach.

Mike Murphy, O2 touch rugby coordinator for the club, said: “We’re here to encourage young people and teenagers to get involved in rugby and it’s been a non-stop two days.

“We’ve had loads of people come off the beach to join in, children as well as parents.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic carnival, a really good atmosphere.

“I’m really pleased they’re doing it for two days this year as well, it really adds the carnival and festival spirit.”

Carnival Chairman Ryan Hope was pleased with how the extended Carnival turned out.

He said: “The torchlight procession was absolutely fantastic. Tuesday was much better than we expected and we know now that we can make this work as a two day event.

“If we continue running the carnival we’ll aim to build on that success.”

As the evening drew in crowds lined either side of the Esplanade to claim their position for the famous procession. First prize in the contest went to The Closet for their Alice and Wonderland inspired float.

Jamie Crage, taking charge of The Closet’s winning float, said: “It’s taken about three weeks to get it all together and obviously all day today.

“It’s been an awesome carnival and hopefully we can raise some money towards next years.”

Winners of the walking category went to Hardy’s Hash House Harriers with a Japanese theme complete with Geisha girls and a dancing dragon.

The only lone entry this year was Karen Cornick, who won the chairman’s silver award for her ‘Bird of Paradise’ costume.

She said: “I’ve been doing this carnival since I was 11 years old.

“All of my family have grown up and gone now so I decided to do it one last time on my own.”

The procession started from Weymouth Pavilion and proceeded along the length of the seafront into Lodmoor.

Chris Edwards, Deputy chairman and procession manager, said: “Today has been brilliant, I think we’ve had over 38 procession entries for the carnival so it’s been a good turnout.

“We couldn’t have done it without the help of Weymouth Community Volunteers, they’ve been outstanding.