Worcester Carnival returned to the city in a blaze of colour - and organisers say there was something special about this year’s event.

The carnival took place on Saturday (July 1) with the highlight being a spectacular parade through the city centre.

Dozens of schools, community groups and charities took part in the procession, which took Our Colourful World as its theme.

There was also on-stage entertainment in Cathedral Square and live music, dancing, a funfair and more at the Carnival Village on Pitchcroft.

READ MORE: Pictures from the Worcester Carnival parade 2023

Angela Derbyshire, who is part of the organising committee, said: “We had a brilliant day.

"The streets were lined with so many people.

“There were so many faces - there always are, but something just felt different yesterday.

“We’d learnt from last year and worked hard with the council and all of the teams involved so the road closures and the parade went smoothly while keeping everyone safe.

“The carnival village was packed and we had fabulous evening entertainment from Blank Kanvas and Blobbie Williams, who is a fantastic showman.

“We’re trying to extend the entertainment into the evening a little more each year - and a big group of people stayed around to watch it.”

Among the fun and frolics, there were attempts to make the carnival a little greener this year, including having three self-propelled floats in the parade.

Groups including Honeywell Primary School and the Worcester Afro Caribbean Association worked with professional artists to design the floats.

There was also a large group of Bike Worcester cyclists of all ages on two wheels who sounded their bells as they made their way along the route.

“It’s going to be difficult to move away from the big diesel vehicles completely, but we are reducing our carbon footprint and becoming more environmentally friendly,” said Angela.

“It was also good to make the carnival more inclusive - Our Colourful World was about reaching into communities that aren’t always involved.”

Organisers are now busy counting up donations from the day, which will go towards 8th Worcester Scouts and their bid to build a new toilet facility.

“People don’t always carry cash these days but the bucket collections still work, so hopefully we’ve raised a good amount.”