Carnival lights up town with colour and noise

Large crowds cheered as the return of a carnival brought colour, sound and plenty of sunshine.

Dazzling outfits and performers marked Northampton Carnival by setting off from the Racecourse Park at 14:00 BST on Saturday.

Among them was artist Sarah Terry, who said the atmosphere was "absolutely incredible".

Participants were encouraged to follow the Earth, Wind, Fire and Water theme as they lit up the town.

The carnival was popular from the 1960s until the late 1990s, when it stopped running until being reimagined in 2005.

Ms Terry said she spent weeks making costumes for the latest event.

"You've got to be glittery, you've got to be colourful - it's all about big and bold and making a huge statement," she told BBC Radio Northampton during its live coverage.

Charlene Pitt, from art group Donna Fox Associates, also helped to create some outfits.

She added: "I've loved carnival since I was a little girl."

The day ran between 12:00 and 19:30 at the Racecourse Park, offering food, crafts, entertainment and various stalls.

People joining the parade headed down Kettering Road and through the town centre, returning to the park via Wellingborough Road.

Among the displays were a group representing the Royal and Derngate Theatre, which commemorated the Great Fire of Northampton in 1675.

Connor, who was part of the team, said he wanted to prove the town had an impressive history.

"I feel like Northampton gets a lot of hate and a lot of stick," he said. "But it's a brilliant town that has risen from the ashes."

Nikki Rogers was there to represent Old Northamptonians rugby club.

She hoped the town hosting eight of the Women's Rugby World Cup games would inspire young girls.

"It is our year and we're shouting loud and proud," Ms Rogers said.

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