HOPES are rising that the Queen's Golden Jubilee year may prove the catalyst for an annual summer season of community events.

Despite showers and an overcast sky, thousands of people still turned up for the closing day of Richmond Meet.

Crowds lined the North Yorkshire town's streets for the biggest carnival procession for years, which included floats decorated to commemorate the royal anniversary, the World Cup, Walt Disney's 100th birthday, and a recreation of the Hogwarts' Express from the Harry Potter film.

The traditional fairground remained in the town centre throughout the weekend, while the town's Friary Gardens hosted an afternoon of live music and dancing.

"It has been a fantastic weekend," said Richmond Meet president Steve Cooke. "I can't remem-ber a single thing going wrong. The crowds have turned out and the atmosphere has been terrific."

The Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons, said he hoped the Meet committee, the town council and organisers of the Richmond Festival could combine to build on the success of this year's programme.

"I'd like to think this could be the start of something bigger," he said. "We already have plans to extend events into July and August and, if we can make it so there is something on every weekend throughout the summer, we could really confirm Richmond's place on the tourist map."

Although the Meet programme concluded last night, Golden Jubilee events continue in Richmond today.

A celebratory walk around the town boundaries leaves the Town Hall at 9am, while a community picnic takes place on The Batts, from 1pm. A fireworks display at the same location at 9.45pm concludes the jubilee celebrations.