Not put off by the rain, thousands lined the streets in Leicester today to watch the annual Caribbean Carnival parade.
After a late start hundreds of dancers dressed in colourful costumes took to the streets as part of the procession, which started at Victoria Park and winded its way through the city centre before returning to the park.
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby who spoke at the start of the parade said “We continue to provide significant funding to it, its the largest single event that the council funds, and I want to see it to continue to prosper and people to continue to enjoy it from all of the communities of Leicester”
The chair of Leicester Caribbean Carnival, Dennis ‘Sugar’ Christopher said “Over the years its got bigger and bigger and better, I’m not predicting that this one will be better or not but I’ll leave that to the people to make that decision, its a very successful carnival and I want it to go on for years”
One of those lining the streets was a family from Somerset, who said, “its the first time I’ve seen it, and I hope I’m gonna come back next year because I really liked it”
Another spectator at the procession said, “its amazing every year we come back, even though the weathers come out, its not really affected anything, its top, here’s to next year and hopefully more sun, massive turnout for Leicester so its all good for local businesses, and everyone enjoys it, its a family event, so yeah fantastic”
Phil Kay, Assistant Chief Constable with Leicestershire Police who was at the carnival said “this is a great event for the city, its a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Caribbean heritage of so many of the cities people, but also to recognise and celebrate the fact that Leicester is a truly diverse and multi racial city and community that lives in harmony and today is a fantastic celebration of that”
“Leicestershire police are proud to be a part of that community and to serve it, and so to be here today to represent the police and to be part of the event is just a real privilege”
