SUNSHINE welcomed thousands of spectators who lined the streets to watch Clacton’s carnival parade.

This years theme was Story Time and has been carefully planned since January with 42 floats taking part on Saturday evening.

Costumes included Toy Story, Harry Potter and children’s classics such as The Hungry Caterpillar.

Nicky Freeman, a spokesperson for the Clacton carnival association, has been involved with the procession for 40 years.

She said: “It was a lovely sunny warm evening, we couldn’t have had better weather, it’s the best we’ve had for years.

“It just seemed to go with a buzz last night.

“The procession lasted about an hour. and a lot of effort was put in, especially the big floats.

“Some places there were masses of people, especially the pier.

“Everybody made an effort to take part by dressing up.

“There was a nice mix of costumes, Harry Potter to Alice in Wonderland.

“It was on of the most colourful processions we’ve ever had.”

“It’s about having fun, it’s the one day you can dress up and we can collect money for the charity.

“But it’s just real community spirit.”

Proceeds from the carnival will go to the Hospital Hopper a wheelchair accessible service that helps people access the hospital.