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A clash of vibrant colours and sounds rolled into the town centre on Saturday for the 30th Huddersfield Carnival.

Thousands of people lined the streets from early afternoon to eagerly await the carnival parade.

The procession set off from the Hudawi Cultural Centre in Great Northern Street at 1pm, dancing its way along Willow Lane East and St John’s Road.

The roads were shut off around John William Street shortly before 2pm but it was another 40 minutes before distant drum beats and piercing whistles signalled the carnival’s approach.

As the first of the carnival floats came into view crowds moved forward to catch a glimpse and the noise became louder.

Spectators clambered onto everything including traffic lights, bins and even a post box to get a clearer view of the spectacle.

The procession continued along Market Place and Railway Street before culminating in Greenhead Park where the festivities lingered long into the evening.

Steel bands, African drummers and youth groups performed in the park. There was also a fun fair and stalls.

Rachael Gomersall, 42, of Lockwood, was in the crowd on John William Street.

She said: “I’ve been before but I’ve brought my six-year-old nephew Oliver along to watch for the first time.

“It’s just a great community event. We came to see the colourful floats and soak up the atmosphere.”

Emma and Graham Blackmore, of Lindley, brought their three children to enjoy the event.

Emma, 31, said: “I’ve never been before and we wanted the children to see it. It’s good for the town and I’m sure the shopkeepers and businesses along here are also benefitting. It’s a good sense of community.”

Barbara Stead, 40, of Halifax, said: “I like to see the colours of the parade. We come every year.”

Huddersfield Carnival. The carnival on St John's Road.
Huddersfield Carnival. The carnival on St John's Road.

Deborah Taylor, 41, of Fartown, also made it a family affair bringing daughter Skye, 11.

“It’s fantastic,” said Deborah. “And it’s good for the town. We went to Deighton Carnival as well. Not everyone has a carnival as good as Huddersfield.”

Rod Martin, 70, of Longwood, lapped up the sun and the atmosphere and said: “It’s entertaining and very colourful. The sunshine also helps make it a bigger occasion.”

Organisers revealed last week that the carnival, renowned as one of the biggest celebrations of African-Caribbean culture in Yorkshire, could be under threat.

The event costs up to £80,000 to stage and Kirklees Council appears set to withdraw funding for next year.

Organisers are urging the public and business community to help ensure Saturday’s carnival wasn’t the last.

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