BROOMSTICKS, witches and golden snitches were all part of the magic at this year’s Worthing Children’s Parade.

Harry Potter was the theme for the annual event today, marking almost 21 years since the Philosopher’s Stone came out – the first of the bestselling wizard books.

Youngsters marched through the town in their masses clad in cloaks and dressed as their Hogwarts heroes.

This year was the 11th Worthing Children’s Parade and was as special as ever.

Thousands gathered at Beach House Park Grounds from 9am to begin the colourful parade.

Many parents accompanied the children, who came from schools across the area and clubs and community groups.

They made their way along the seafront cheerfully to West Buildings, with the route then heading towards Montague Street.

The parade concluded at Steyne Gardens at about midday.

Upon finishing they were met by Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, and the town’s mayor and mayoress.

The fun carried on at Steyne Gardens, with a charity fair full of rides, entertainment and refreshments.

Cash spent there was to be donated to Guild Care Foundation, which runs a dementia care home in Worthing.

The weather held out for the parade, too, with some sun shining down on the fantastic costumes and displays.

Girls and boys were kitted out in their best Potter clothing to emulate the look of Harry, Hermione Granger and even Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the school of witchcraft and wizardry.

Some paraded with parts of the Quidditch field such as hoops and the golden snitch needed to win a match.

Others carried life-sized versions of the Sorting Hat, which selects which house the wizards and witches go into when they join Hogwarts.