Yesterday’s Colchester Carnival has been described as the “best yet” as an estimated crowd of 12,000 people lined the town’s streets to watch the annual procession.

Over 60 vehicles and more than 1,200 performers took part in the parade, which snaked through Colchester on Saturday afternoon before ending up at Castle Park where there was music and activities to suit all ages.

The main stage in the Lower Park played host to a string of bands throughout the day, while the arena featured various displays including a mass Zumba session. In the Upper Park the children’s activity area was in full swing while more music could be heard at the bandstand and in the world music tent.

Chairman of Colchester Carnival, John Godfrey, hailed the “wonderful atmosphere” and “quality of the attractions”.

He said: “This was the best carnival since Colchester Round Table and Colchester Ladies Circle took over the running of the event three years ago.

“It was literally heaving and there was a real party atmosphere in town.”

Many of the carnival floats taking part had an animal theme to tie-in with Colchester Zoo’s 50th anniversary - and the idea was continued at the face-painting area, as youngsters took on the guises of a range of wild creatures.

Music on the main stage was provided by mostly local bands including headline act Stalker, and 70’s-style rock outfit the Bad Hatters. Madonna tribute singer Sarah Isom received an especially warm reception from the crowd when, despite her backing band not turning up, she went on stage and performed acapella versions of her songs.