THE circus came to Clacton as its annual carnival got underway.

The theme was adopted by most of the groups who had been working hard to prepare their floats for Saturday’s procession along the seafront.

Some of the large lorries revealed full circus acts, from animals to trapeze artists to clowns and jugglers.

The winner of the theme category in the float competition was the Clacton Queen - the local old steamroller which had a ringmaster for a driver and behind it towed a cage of animals and a human cannonball.

Clacton Carnival press officer Nicky Freeman said: “It was absolutely incredible I have to say - the thought that had gone into it and the colour. It was amazing.”

The procession was led by Clacton Carnival Queen Jenine Davey and princesses Teala Johnson and Rebecca Sewell, and involved 32 floats, 11 visiting queens, three marching bands and six majorette groups.

It began at 6pm and followed the new route along the seafront from West Road car park to Victoria Road.

Mrs Freeman said: “The weather was overcast and it started to rain about half and hour before the procession went off, but despite that it was absolutely brilliant. We had crowds of people.”

She added: “It was a really, really good atmosphere.”

The procession collection raised �4,072.44 for Clacton Maternity Unit and the local branch of St John Ambulance.

Mrs Freeman said the figure was �1,000 less than last year, putting it down to the weather. But thousands of people still turned out on both days.

Speaking yesterday from the carnival showtime event at Gainsford Avenue Sportsground, she said: “It’s brilliant. We have got a nice stage with live entertainment all afternoon.”

Carnival showtime, which was headlined by an ABBA tribute band, also included a children’s pet show, children’s rides and a car boot sale. A sea angling competition, run by the Clacton Angling shop in aid of the carnival charities, was also held yesterday.

Mrs Freeman described the carnival as a “real community event”, adding how local charities provided the 80 or so marshals and all the charities which had helped should get a donation in October.

The week-long carnival is continuing tonight with a donkey derby at 6.30pm at Gainsford Avenue Sportsground, and the firework display there on Thursday evening is set to be a highlight.

Visit www.clactoncarnival.org for the full list of events.