The Brighton Festival started with a bang as thousands took part in a colourful parade through the city centre.

Costumes and sculptures hand-made by youngsters from Brighton and Hove were displayed by around 5,000 people during the children's parade.

The Argus: The parade in Madeira DriveThe parade in Madeira Drive (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

There was a carnival atmosphere as they embarked on the trek through the town, which includes around 80 schools and youth groups from across the city.

This year's theme was "one world, learning and growing from each other" and designs included environmental statements and also those on current hot topics such as social media and entertainment.


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Children as young as 5 and as old as 18 marched along the route, which started in Jubilee Street and finished in Madeira Drive after a trip through The Lanes to a soundtrack of samba bands and pop music.

20,000 people are estimated to have lined the streets to watch the event pass by, which organisers say is the largest of its kind in Europe.

The event is organised by Same Sky, the charity behind the Burning the Clocks festival, and it works closely with schools and community groups to help design and choreograph aspects of the vibrant parade.