THE atmosphere reached fever-pitch in Brightlingsea at the weekend as people took to the streets for its 59th annual carnival.

Roddy Ashworth

THE atmosphere reached fever-pitch in Brightlingsea at the weekend as people took to the streets for its 59th annual carnival.

Floats, carnival queens from across the area and musicians paraded in glorious sunshine in front of thousands of spectators.

Earlier, at the Bayard Recreation Ground, entrants were judged by the town mayor and mayoress Graham and Anne Steady along with the Cinque Port Mayor and Mayoress Deputy Doug and Lesley Stone.

The theme of this year's parade was “The Zoo” and many of those marching through the town were dressed as animals - including one set of young footballers who were led along in a cage.

The carnival procession ended up back at the Bayard ground where there was a car boot sale, bouncy castle, stalls and displays from local groups, including a samba band and a dog show. Later the celebrations continued into the evening at the town's cricket club.

Speaking after the event town councillor Alan Goggin - who spent the day dressed as a penguin to promote use of the town's swimming pool - said the carnival had been bigger and better attended than many in recent years.

“Last year it rained, but this year it was gorgeous weather,” he said. “It was nice and sunny and everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion.

“I have been doing carnival for 40 years and I loved it,” he added.