THOUSANDS cheered the weird and wonderful floats of Worcester Carnival which has once again forged a place in the city's heart.

The viewing clash with England’s winning match against Sweden may have had an impact on the numbers but failed to dampen the spirit of the crowds who turned up at Pitchcroft and lined the streets of the city on Saturday to watch the colourful floats make their circuit.

The carnival returned to Worcester last year for the first time in 24 years and secretary Chris King said this year’s was bigger and better.

She said: "It has been a fantastic day overall and though we knew the football would affect the turnout we were glad so many people came."

The carnival featured 18 floats and the theme was film and television, drawing inspiration from Grease, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, the Wizard of Oz and, perhaps somewhat surreally given the soaring temperatures, the Christmas film Elf.

Darth Vader, a Stormtrooper and other characters from the Star Wars films also made an appearance, proving that the Force was strong with this year’s carnival.

Walking with the floats were Meiling Middle School from Yangzhou, wearing traditional Chinese costumes. They are involved in an exchange with Chantry School in Martley.

The carnival received £8,000 Lottery funding and was awarded a further £5,000 grant by Worcester City Council so it could go off with a bang.

Council leader Cllr Marc Bayliss, who presented the cheque to the organisers of the carnival, said: “Last year’s revival of Worcester Carnival was a massive success, with thousands of people lining the streets to cheer on the parade and enjoying the fun.

“It’s really becoming part of of the Worcester calendar again. It’s great to see it growing ever more successful this year.”

The carnival queen this year was Jessica Pinches who was a princess at last year’s carnival.

The winning float was Grease, sponsored by Worcester Bosch.

The best youth group was Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club with their ‘Under the Sea’ float.

Regency High School in Carnforth Drive, Worcester won the flags competition. Zodiac Insights won the netball.

Chris King said carnival organisers had been 'delighted' to receive the grant from the city council. This year’s carnival featured a funfair, street theatre and an RAF fly with entertainment at the community stage in Cathedral Square.

This year’s carnival is raising funds for Worcester Play Council.