HUNDREDS gathered for a carnival tradition which has lasted almost 50 years with a procession of colourful costumes and marvellous music.

The Woodingdean Carnival has been a yearly community fixture since 1967 and organisers hailed this year’s parade and party as “one of the largest ever”.

Families and residents were treated to an afternoon of food, fun, music and martial arts after the parade marched from Woodingdean Central Park in Rudyard Road before snaking its way to the carnival ground at Woodingdean School on Saturday.

Previous organisers John Homewood and John Downs, who ran the festivities for 35 years, stepped down at the end of last year, handing the reigns to Peter Barnard, of Barnard Fencing.

Mr Barnard said: “It was a fantastic day,. There were a couple of little hitches, but nothing we could not handle.

“Speaking to people, they have said it was one of the largest ever.

“Organising it was not too bad. We do a lot of fundraising for youth groups and such, so it is the same thing, just a bigger project.”

“The community pulled together to make it happen. We are already planning for two years’ time, which will be the 50th anniversary and planning is also well under way for next year.”

IN PICTURES: The Woodingdean Carnival

Entertainment was provided by acts such as band Perfect Heights, drummers Unified Rhythm, the Bhakti Yoga Group and Theatre Express.

Lacey Bradley was selected to be the carnival princess while Bronwyn Barnard was declared the carnival queen – both getting to ride in a Mercedes as the procession made its way to the ground.

Councillor Dee Simson praised the work of the new organisers, saying they did an “amazing job”.

She said: “It was exactly the day you wanted. The weather was very kind to us and it was a brilliant turnout.

“It was lovely to see all the residents come together socialising and all the children playing together.

“Lots of community groups turned out to raise money for their good causes. It was quite spectacular.

“It is fantastic to see the community together as one and spending some quality time together. “