FAMILIES danced the night away to live music performed by local bands on bank holiday Monday as part of Malmesbury Carnival.

Friends and families gathered at the Cloister Gardens behind Malmesbury Abbey with camping chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of sunshine and sounds on Monday, August 28.

Every year a selection of local bands perform their hearts out at the outdoor venue for the annual Music in the Cloisters event - which is part of the Malmesbury Carnival programme.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Families swaying to the music in Cloister Gardens in Malmesbury on bank holiday MondayFamilies swaying to the music in Cloister Gardens in Malmesbury on bank holiday Monday (Image: Richard Harris)

Malmesbury Carnival is a longstanding tradition which has been going for over a hundred years and brings residents, businesses, and visitors together for events during August and September.

Last year the carnival raised over £30,000 for over 50 different local organisations.

This year's line up featured local musicians WILF and 13 piece party band The Soul Destroyers.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Local musicians performing at the Music in the Cloister Gardens event Local musicians performing at the Music in the Cloister Gardens event (Image: Richard Harris)

Malmesbury-based community music group The Long Players and Stroud Americana band The Bob Porter Project also graced the stage.

The Long players' rendition of Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was one of the biggest highlights of the evening, say organisers.

The recognisable tune prompted lots of children and adults to get up from their camping chairs to have a boogie in front of the stage.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Families and friends dancing in front of the stageFamilies and friends dancing in front of the stage (Image: Richard Harris)

Visitors happily munched on street food from the Burgerlish van and ice creams from The Cosy Cone stand.

There was also a bar for thirsty dancers and cakes and teas at the Abbey Café.

Malmesbury residents have flocked to social media to share their experience of the event.

One resident said: "Well that was an awesome night thank you Malmesbury Carnival for the Music in the Cloisters event.

"What a great venue with a back drop The Long Players Elton John Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (one last time) followed by The Soul Destroyers.

"Hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did, I really appreciate all your hard work carnival team."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Local musicians performing at the Music in the Cloisters event Local musicians performing at the Music in the Cloisters event (Image: Richard Harris)

The beginning of September marks the end of the carnival programme, so this weekend is the last chance to attend the remaining events.

Danters Fun Fair will return to the Station Road Car Park between Thursday, August 31 and Saturday, September 2.

Expect rides, stalls and fun for all the family.

The fun fair will be open to the public from 6pm on Thursday and Friday and from 2pm on Saturday.

In addition, the highly-anticipated Carnival Procession will take place this Saturday (September 2) between 6pm and 8pm.

Carnival organisers have promised that this year's procession will be bigger, better and more colourful than ever.

All the proceeds from this year's carnival events will be counted up on Sunday, September 3 to see if last year's total has been exceeded.

Meanwhile, on the same day there will a raffle draw at St Mary's Hall at 12pm.

To end this year's festivities on a high note there will be a Carnival Thanksgiving service at Malmesbury Abbey on Sunday which will start at 4pm.