It has become a staple of the Huddersfield summer.
And organisers of Huddersfield Carnival are hoping for a spectacular success again this weekend.
Carnival is in its 29th year and has become the largest festival in the Kirklees calendar and one of the most popular annual events in the North of England.
The event is set to attract up to 30,000 visitors from the town and the region.
The main event is on Saturday afternoon when a colourful parade brings the town centre to a halt as floats, bands and dancers make their way to Greenhead Park.
Carnival spokesman Natalie Pinnock-Hamilton said: “Carnival is known for providing cohesion, a family and community friendly agenda, and a world class visitor experience while showcasing African Caribbean arts and culture.
“Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean, the Carnival provides a medium through which local communities can develop and display their talents in costume design, music, dance and drama.”
The Carnival is normally celebrated over two days, with the Carnival Royale Show on Friday, where contestants compete for the crown and the opportunity to lead the Carnival procession.
However, this year, the show will not take place but will return in 2014 when the event celebrates its 30th anniversary.
A recent addition to Carnival which will be taking place is the J’ouvert, now in its fifth year. This is a French term meaning ‘opening of day’ and signals the start of the bacchanal that is Carnival.
J’ouvert is highly traditional and full of symbols of culture and heritage. It is steeped in tradition and playing ‘Mud Mas’ involves participants known as Jab Jabs covering themselves, and others, in paint, chocolate, mud or white powder.
This starts at midnight at Lime Bar in Westgate, music being the dominating sounds, with revellers parading through the town.
On Saturday, from 1pm, bands and dancers will wind their way through the streets of Huddersfield from the Hudawi Centre, ending up in Greenhead Park.
Bands will display an array of flamboyant costumes and parade through the town centre to Greenhead Park, where each band will have the opportunity to take to the stage, which will include a young people’s stage as well as the main stage.
Mrs Pinnock-Hamilton said: “This has been a long awaited return to the Park, after three years.
“We were thwarted by the terrible weather last summer and by work in the park previously.
“A variety of stalls will be available for purchase of both food – including the popular Jerk Chicken – and non food.
“There will also be an inflatable ride along with a young people’s zone with live entertainment and activities.
“Without Kirklees Arts and Creative Economy and all our sponsors, supporters and committee members, Carnival could not happen.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued and valuable support.”