The party atmosphere and sizzling temperatures of Rio came to Gravesend this weekend as the streets went alive with a colourful carnival, eclectic music, and joyful dance.

It could have been a different story, however, as four lorries could not make it Northfleet Carnival due to traffic chaos caused by Operation Stack.

Nevertheless, the parade energized communities during its three-mile trek from Springhead Enterprise Park in Northfleet to Gravesend Riverside with blaring music and lively dance.

Gravesend Town Regatta added to the festivities with its annual boat race, fun fair, dance shows and Fusion Festival which provided extraordinary music from around the globe.

Scorching sunshine drew crowds to the town as thermometers rose as high as 28C on Saturday.

25 all-singing-all-dancing floats, vintage vehicles, and marching bands paraded around the area and through the town centre showing off their American theme.

There was a last minute panic to get the floats organised after four lorries did not turn up due to ongoing traffic problems on the M20.

“On Friday afternoon we spent six hours ringing around the local firms asking if they could provide us with more but they are all in the same boat,” said Stephen Nolan, chair of the Northfleet Carnival Committee.

All went along as planned, however, as a local organisations doubled up to share the existing trucks.

Down by the riverside, meanwhile, people could be seen relaxing in the sunshine enjoying the sights and sounds of the Town Regatta, a highlight of which is the Fusion Festival.

Families got to experience diverse musical performances, creative arts workshops, as well as food from around the world.

Gurvinder Sandher, artistic director of Cohesion Plus, said: “A lot of hard work and months of preparation go into organising an event like this so it was very pleasing to see so many people come out and enjoy the Festival and have a great family day out.

For more pictures and a full report, see Thursday's Gravesend Messenger.