More pictures as thousands turn out for return of Worcester Carnival

The popular event took place at the weekend for the first time since before the pandemic.

Celebrations were centred on Pitchcroft and a parade took place through the city centre.

Barry MacGabhann, one of the carnival organisers, said it was a superb weekend and that the turnout had been much bigger than expected.

“It was absolutely amazing,” he said. “Especially when you think the weather wasn’t great - people who had to leave because of the rain just kept coming back.

“The support of local businesses has been amazing, too.”

The carnival parade makes its way past Worcester's Guildhall

Mr MacGabhann said initial estimates suggest about 10,000 people had attended either the carnival village at Pitchcroft or had lined the streets of the city centre for the traditional parade.

“We had the theme of celebration for this year and that’s exactly what it was - a chance to celebrate being able to come together after Covid and all the bad times people have had.”

Melanie Eastwood, who was crowned as the 2022 Carnival Queen, said: "It is great to see so many people turn up, especially with the weather being touch and go.

Carnival raises money for Worcester charities

"I was on the Cathedral Belles float and I had 13 girls to look after and they were all absolute angels. It's been a fantastic day."

Mr MacGabhann said visitors had given generously to charity donations on the day and that organisers would be able to give an update on exactly how much was raised for the event’s chosen charities shortly.

This year’s carnival was raising money for the Worcester Warriors Community Foundation, the Severn Area Rescue Association and the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

READ MORE: Worcester Carnival 2022 photo special of all the floats and fun

Ahead of the carnival, organisers revealed the event was benefiting from a £10,000 grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.

This helped pay for the full programme of events at Pitchcroft, which included live performances, fairground rides, crafts, food stalls and sporting activities.

During the pandemic, in 2020 alone, The National Lottery Community Fund distributed almost £1 billion to charities and community organisations across the UK.