From The Evening Gazette.

CARNIVAL fever hit Colchester as thousands lined the streets to enjoy the celebrations.

More than 5,000 people gathered in High Street and Head Street alone to watch the procession make its way to Castle Park.

Despite rain having fallen for most of the day, the town was basking in sunshine by the time the parade began.

Children blew whistles and waved streamers as 52 floats plus walking groups, each with their own theme, passed by.

The procession was lead out by musicians, including trumpet players, a Samba group and bagpipe players.

Doctor Who, Alice in Wonderland and Roman centurions were among the colourful entries which followed.

The event, which was sponsored by Weston Homes and backed by the Gazette, also saw a full a programme of music, dance and family fun in and around the streets of Colchester and in Castle Park.

The final tally is not yet in, but organisers Colchester Round Table hope to have raised at least £7,000 for community causes.

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