THE STREETS of Worcester were packed today (July 6) despite the 'gloomy' weather, to watch a parade go through the city centre.

Roads were closed as the annual Worcester Carnival Parade passed through the city centre. 

As the parade passed through, the streets were packed with onlookers with barely enough space to walk. 

The parade included Japanese Bon Dance, Bike Worcester, classic cars, musical floats and much more. 

(Image: Newsquest)

Rob Collier from Bike Worcester, who took part in the parade, said: "Last year was incredible, it's always well organised and well supported and it's always enjoyable. 

"I'm very excited, we always enjoy the opportunity to cycle on closed roads. 

"This could be a record turnout for us, we should have around 150 riders, hopefully the weather will stay dry.

"I think the image of hundreds of kids cycling in a parade is very powerful."

The parade left the 'carnival village' at Pitchcroft at 2pm despite the 'typical British weather'. 

The 'carnival village' had live music, craft and food stalls, and gave visitors the opportunity to talk to the parade goers before the parade. 

(L-R), Graham Trickey, Estelle Trickey, Hannah Brooman(L-R), Graham Trickey, Estelle Trickey, Hannah Brooman (Image: Newsquest)

Hannah Brooman, who attended the carnival with her parents, said: "We are here because my daughter is performing on one of the floats.

"We have come here for many years and it's always a lively atmosphere, but it's a shame because it doesn't feel as busy as usual. 

"I think it's a mixture of the weather and the football. 

"It's just a shame that the England match fell on the same day at the same time, I'm sure some people just haven't taken the risk of getting stuck in town."

The carnival took around two hours to pass through the city centre, returning to the 'carnival village' at 5pm.

David and Margaret JonesDavid and Margaret Jones (Image: Newsquest)

David Jones, who visited the village and saw the parade, said: "We are here to support the carnival, it has been going for many years and it's always interesting. 

"We thought we would have a look, I talked to an American Civil War Vet reenactor and a PCSO and I learned a lot.

"It is about what I expected to be honest, though I do think that there were many more floats years ago, but I guess that's a sign of the times."

Live entertainment was also shown throughout the day in Cathedral Square.