COLOURFUL costumes filled the streets for Walthamstow's Young People's Caribbean Carnival.

Community groups and schools came together on Sunday, following months of preparation, to display their costumes in the parade.

The carnival left the the town hall at 12pm and travelled to Walthamstow Town Square, watched by up to 5,000 people.

Groups taking part included Mecap Children, Ascham Homes, Community Day Services and many of the borough's schools.

Chingford Hall School headteacher, Pat Davis, said pupils and parents spent a whole term making the costumes for this year's theme 'Fish'.

Mrs Davis said: "The students enjoyed it tremendously. It was very good and there was a real carnival atmosphere."

Organised by the council, the carnival culminated at the square where several performances were held by pop, soul and reggae artists including Mica Paris, Omar, Peter Hunnigale and Shola Amma.

Cllr Geraldine Reardon, cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, said: “I was delighted that so many people attended the Young People’s Caribbean Carnival and made the most of the day.

“I hope the summer festivals programme encourages local people to get out into their communities, and beyond, to get a taste of some of the cultural events happening in the borough."

“I hope to see many people at each of the remaining events, and am sure that they too will be a resounding success.”

Groups that took part in the parade: Ascham Homes, Barclay Primary, Cann Hall Primary, Chapel End Junior, Chingford Hall School & Chingford Hall Children Centre, Churchill Nursery School & Children Centre, Community Day Services, Downsell Primary School, Gwyn Jones Primary School, Henry Maynard Junior, Edinburgh Primary School, Newport School, Rushcroft Sports College, Sikh Community Care, St Saviour's C of E Primary School, Thorpe Hall Primary, Waltham Forest Montessori School, Walthamstow Toy Library & Churchill Nursery, Wellington Primary, St Helen Primary, Longshaw Saturday School, DRC and Mencap