MERMAIDS, pirates and fishermen walked along the promenade to save the world’s oceans.

The March of the Mermaids, a glittery annual spectacle, took place this weekend.

The Brighton tradition, now in its sixth year, saw hundreds of sparkly activists stroll Brighton’s promenade to the tune of drums and whistles.

Organiser and figurehead of the march, Honour Mission, ran the event for the first time this year.

She said: “It is all about raising awareness.

“We’ve got best-dressed medals, raffles, singers and we will be going into the early hours.

“We’re here to dress up for fun but also given out an underlying message and that is to save our seas.”

The party began at Hove Lawns and made its way past the i360 to the Fortune of War and the Tempest Inn where the celebrations continued into the night.

Organisers say the event is not just for mermaids.

Mermen, sea mammals, crustaceans, pirates, sailors and all forms of sea life are invited to take part.

Nigel Sayers, 59, is a commercial fisherman based at Brighton Marina.

He said: “I’m dressed as mystical sailor. Last year I was a lobster.

“I’m a fisherman by trade but I’m passionate about sustainability. I’ve been nearly every year. It’s great for the family and free for everyone to join in.”

The event was inspired by the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in New York.

It is a celebration of our seas and sea life which raises awareness of marine conservation issues.

This year, it was partnered with Surfers against Sewage, a charity tackling sea pollution, as well as the Marine Conservation Society, which aims to increase protection of the seas around the country.

Tina “Sparkle” Morris travels from Whitby in North Yorkshire every year to take part.

Last year, the 59-year-old was named “Queen of the Mermaids” for her costume made from recycled plastic.

She said: “I’ve made many friends at March for Mermaids and I used to live in Brighton. It’s about being creative and spreading the message that we should be looking after out seas.”

Also making a splash was Miss Mermaid East Sussex, Jasz Vegas.

The 29-year-old, who was the star of BBC’s Killer Magic TV show, posed for pictures with children on Hove lawns.