GALLERY: Thousands come out to watch '˜best carnival yet' wind through Northampton

While dark clouds threatened to disrupt the colourful parade on Saturday, thankfully there was no repeat of last year’s soggy scenes.

Instead thousands lined Kettering Road and parts of the town centre to cheer on more than 30 floats as they headed past.

And plenty enjoyed tastes from around the world and live music at the Racecourse park until 7.30pm, with the Mystic Crew closing out a day of entertainment on the main stage.

Chairman of the organising committee Morcea Walker had said the Racecourse would be a challenging venue to host the carnival in the run up.

But though there were issues with some lorries turning into the Racecourse from Kettering Road, Mrs Walker said the crowds seemed to enjoy the new location.

“The comments we have had to us through email and verbally are that it has been the best carnival yet,” she said.

However she reiterated that the Racecourse was “logistically challenging” as there were also limited places to park nearby.

The theme of this year’s carnival was a success however.

The “five continents, one carnival” heading saw a number of schools dress their floats in flags of the world, including Lumbertubs Primary School.

One of the stars of the parade, the Zen CC Church from Wellingborough, entertained the crowds in Abington Square with their brass band performance and choreographed dancing.