Margate welcomed 2011 with a noisy and boisterous parade determined to shake the town into life for a busy year ahead.

The procession replaced the festive event cancelled because of snow, and was held under the Margate Celebrates banner, an umbrella term for a range of events in the coming months.

The lively samba drummers Bloco Fogo led the procession from the top of the High Street to Market Place in the old town on Friday, and Hartsdown Technology College pupils formed the main body of the parade, dancing, waving banners and flags, and featuring a festive sleigh and a Chinese-style dragon.

Students from eastern Europe entertained with a traditional dance, and there were market stalls and a funfair roundabout. Young singers performed Ave Maria and Hallelujah, and a street magician and live music from InterSeptors and The Suspects heralded a firework display off the harbour.

Town mayor Cllr Mick Tomlinson, who led a party of Margate charter trustees, said the Margate Celebrates parade is the start of what promises to be a fantastic year that will see regeneration plans take shape, including the opening of the Turner Contemporary in April.

Cllr Tomlinson thanked all the performers, the organising committee, traders and supporters. He paid special tribute to Hartsdown College when he said: "Your enthusiasm and contribution to this event has again been magnificent."

College principal Andy Somers said: "Our students and staff worked extremely hard to put together a brilliant lively parade that was a fantastic way to get 2011 under way. The students’ played a major role in the event and I am proud of them.

"At Hartsdown, we believe in Margate and the excellent efforts being made by various groups to put it back on the map as a vibrant and exciting town."