The weather may have been quintessentially British but the spirit at the Luton Carnival was truly global, as the town was taken over by music and dance from around the world.

Although the atmosphere was slightly dampened by the rain that had fallen all morning, huge crowds still turned out to watch the procession – a fantastic parade of floats and dancers led by professional samba outfit Paraiso, who had travelled from London for their debut performance in Luton.

They were followed by dancers from the town's schools and community groups, some of whom had spent months making their spectacular costumes. Adults and children alike took part in the huge procession, wearing everything from feather head-dresses to sombreros.

Some of the more outlandish creations included mythical birds, stilt-walking clowns, and even a huge cycling lion.

Click here for more details about the carnival

The day had looked like a potential wash-out, but after last year's cancellation, every group was desperate to take part and show off their dancing skills and colourful outfits.

And by the time they had assembled outside Wardown Park, hundreds of spectators carrying umbrellas had lined New Bedford Road to catch a glimpse of the excitement.

Despite the persistent rain, the crowd and the dancers were all smiles as carnival fever took over, and more and more people joined to watch as the seemingly-endless procession made its way into the town centre.

Procession leaders Paraiso whipped the spectators into a frenzy with an energetic display of dance and breathtaking costumes inspired by their theme The Magic Of The Movies.

Group trustee Richard Galbraith said: "It's very good to be here. We've never been before but it's a great honour to be here and to be first in the parade."

Youngsters from schools and youth groups did Luton proud, showing off costumes and banners that had taken hours of hard work to put together.

The town's Mad Hatter Circus group put on a fantastic display, despite some early weather jitters that could have seen them forced to pull out.

Stilt leader Anna Marshall said: "Thankfully the wind died down – as we've got stilt factors that was the deciding factor.

"Obviously it was rained off last year so everyone was determined to be here this time. We said that whatever happened, we would try."

See Wednesday's Luton News and Dunstable Gazette for a souvenir picture supplement of the carnival.

Click here to visit the Image Shop section of this website where you can order a carnival photo.