CARNIVALS, scarecrows and a balloon launch helped the weekend go with a bang in the York area.

Wedding dresses and christening gowns from the 1920s to the present day were on display at the Stockton-on-the-Forest carnival.

Visitors flocked to Holy Trinity Church to see the flower festival entitled Blooms, Brides and Baptisms in Holy Trinity Church.

Carnival King and Queen, Sam Powell and Jade Kerrison, pupils at Stockton Primary School led a parade from Stockton Hall to the village hall on Saturday, serenaded by the St Chad's Greys Scout Band. Music was also provided by Smart Move. Other highlights included a fancy dress competition, magic performed by Mal Sanderson, a barbecue and an exhibition of cars from the 1960s.

Residents of Copmanthorpe kicked off their week-long carnival with two junior discos for five to 11-year-olds on Saturday. Wacky races, a tug-of war and a barbecue ensured the fun continued yesterday.

A family fun day at Copmanthorpe's recreation centre in Baron Crescent raised money for DEBRA, a charity for those affected by the rare skin condition, Epidermolysis Bullosa, and for the recreation centre.

The festivities will continue throughout the week with bingo, a scavenger hunt and a quiz. Saturday will see a colourful procession, started by CBBC presenter Jake Humphrey, make its way through the village on Copmanthorpe's annual carnival day.

Residents in Scott Street, in South Bank, York, held their fourth annual street party. Jugglers, quizzes and barbecues brought a carnival atmosphere to the neighbourhood on Saturday night.

Scott Street resident, John Downes, said the party was a great chance for residents young and old to meet new neighbours, who are constantly moving into the area.

Young people from Haxby and Wigginton Youth Group held a balloon race to raise awareness of fair trade. About 550 balloons were released on Ethel Ward playing field, at Haxby, on Saturday, in one of many events taking part across the country for Trade For Life.

Visitors to Naburn got a surprise when they found the village had been taken over by strange creatures. However, a closer look revealed it was just the village's scarecrow festival to raise money for the church.

About 30 people spent their weekend excavating Low Moor allotments, off Heslington Road, York, in the hope of finding historical evidence or valuable artefacts. The event was part of the Big Dig, the nationwide archaeology extravaganza organised by Channel 4's Time Team.

Bishopthorpe Palace, York. opened its gates to help raise money for Martin House Hospice, at Boston Spa

Falconry displays, veteran cars and motorcycles, a treasure trail and craft stalls were among the attractions.

Updated: 10:34 Monday, June 30, 2003