THOUSANDS turned out to celebrate Accrington Carnival at the weekend, flooding the town centre streets with colour, sound and lots of fun.

And despite a weather warning for parts of East Lancashire, the sun was shining as the annual event got underway.

With the procession starting at 12pm from Thorneyholme Road, floats and performers, including the Accrington Pipe Band, Wonderland School of Dance and Dramatic Annie Dancers, made their way down Whalley Road, before heading into the packed town centre.

Kimberley Whitehead who sits on the carnival committee, said: "It's been brilliant so far.

"This is one of the best turn outs we've had and we've estimated there been more than 6,000 people turn out for it, which is great.

"We had to move the carnival from where we usually have it in Oakhill Park to the town centre because the bad weather last week made the ground too soft and it wouldn't have had chance to recover in time.

"But it's turned out alright hasn't it, much better than expected which is brilliant."

There was plenty of entertainment on offer, with fun fair rides for children and adults, hot dogs stands, burger stalls, a gin bar, games and prizes, cupcakes, candy floss, sweets, and much, much more.

And even Councillor Glenn Harrison made an appearance, although people had to look very hard to spot him, as he was dressed as Mickey Mouse as part of the Disney princess float.

Pearl Parker-Culshaw, nine, and her sisters Rosa, five and Violet six, were having fun eating their snow-cones.

Mum, Naomi Parker said: "I used to come to the carnival when I was little but it's the first time we've brought the girls and they're loving it.

"It's really busy which is good and it's nice to have it in the town centre for a change."

Performances throughout the day came from singer Simon Anderton, Hyndburn Comets, Emma Lou Cheerleaders, Zoe Taylor Dance Academy, Joe Edwards, and Pete Hardy, to name but a few, with Whitesnake tribute band, Whitefake headlining the carnival stage before the event ended at 6pm.