Crowds lined the streets of Margate on Sunday to enjoy a carnival full of colour and music which brightened up a gloomy afternoon.

Spirits refused to be dampened by occasional showers as the parade of 80 major entries departed the Royal Esplanade at Westbrook to head along the seafront and eventually to Palm Bay.

They were led by the Margate carnival court of Jessica Spain, and princesses Genevieve Colston and Lucy Porter while a New Orleans jazz band was one of several ensuring there was accompanying music close to hand.

Carnival association chairman Cllr Mick Tomlinson said: “It was a very good carnival and lived up to the best traditions of the event. There were 16 queens and their princesses joining us, including Miss Hastings.

“For the eighth year we had traditional dancers from the Notting Hill roadshow with us. They love coming to Margate, had a great time and are already looking forward to next year.

“There were clearly a lot of people who put in a great deal of effort and work into their costumes and floats to make the event a success and that helps ensure a fun atmosphere for everyone.”

Among those taking part in the procession were war veterans in military vehicles, which had been arranged by Beryl Harrison, highlighting the role played by the forces in the second world war.

A stage set up at the harbour piazza and used by salsa bands, drumming workshops and a tribute to Bob Marley concert proved a particular hit, said Mick, and added another dimension to the carnival which was rounded off by a carnival dance in the Winter Gardens and a firework display over the harbour arm.