DESPITE overcast skies and bouts of drizzle, Worcester Carnival saw a reported three times as many people flock to Pitchcroft and line the city streets for the parade as last year.

The revamped carnival was first launched four years ago, and organiser Angela Derbyshire said Saturday’s event was “absolutely fantastic” but has called for still more support next year.

“We want more floats involved, so please listen and watch out for all the messages about next year’s carnival,” she said.

The event was worlds apart from what was a disappointing relaunch back in 2015, when no floats were involved in the parade and the fair was cancelled at the last minute because the safety officer deemed the ground unsafe.

Then-committee chairman Mal Hobbs said at the time “with the support and backing we had, we did the best we could”, adding that the “weather was against us”.

“But it proved a point and that is Worcester wants a carnival because so many people turned out for it, so we are working really hard to bring it back bigger and better next year,” he added.

Fast forward four years and three more festivals in between, and the weather, while not as hot and sunny as much of last week, held out in the most part.

What’s more, crowds surged on Pitchcroft for the start of the parade, and then more packed the city centre – many people coming out of work or leaning from windows to catch a glimpse.

And, if initial estimates are correct, a three-fold increase on attendees is not to be scoffed at.

Mrs Derbyshire wanted to stress she is not the only festival committee member and heaped praise on her colleagues Jillian Hoad, Chris King, Phil Weston, Helen Sherratt, Barry MacGabhann, Sue Chance, Adam Bullock and Trevor King.

The day started with the opening of the carnival village in Pitchcroft and the official crowing of this year’s Carnival Queen, 21-year-old Antonia Alberone-Chamberlain, by city mayor Allah Ditta at 10am.

Ms Alberone-Chamberlain, who was previously crowned queen of Stourport Carnival in 2017, said organisers "must have thought I was good" because they called her hours after her interview to offer her the role.

She led a procession of more than half a dozen floats and walking groups from the racecourse, along Croft Road, Deansway, to College Street, City Walls Road, Pump Street, High Street, The Cross, Foregate Street, Castle Street and back to Pitchcroft, from 3pm.

Businesses that entered floats included Worcester Bosch, while Girl Guiding Worcestershire's Mary Poppins float was voted the best in the parade.

Studio B scooped Best Youth Float and the Best Walking Group went to Lollipop Theatre.

The parade theme was the World of Books, with the likes of the aforementioned Mary Poppins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Around the World in Eighty Days and the Very Hungry Caterpillar amongst the works paid tribute to.

Back at the carnival village, which remained open until 6pm, attendees were treated to fairground rides, market stalls and sporting events as well as food and drink.

Live entertainment included headliners The 5.15 Band, who put on a 90-minute set from 4.30pm, as well as Mitzy, All Sorts Performing Arts, Worcester School of Dance, Studio B, Jestar, Lollipop Theatre and Tobi Colston.

Mrs Derbyshire said: “Fantastic day. Amazing to see children enjoying the fair rides. Atmosphere fantastic. So many children's smiling faces is what it's all about.

“We wanted to bring the carnival back to the city of Worcester four years ago and we certainly have done that.

“This has been absolutely fantastic and we've had the best time ever,” she added.

Next year’s festival is due to take place on July 4.

Visit worcester-carnival.co.uk to find out more.