In pictures: Carnival kicks off Big Burns Supper

A carnival parade helped to start the Big Burns Supper in Dumfries on Saturday

A colourful carnival through the streets of Dumfries has helped to kick off the annual Big Burns Supper festival.

Large crowds turned out to see the spectacle parade through the heart of the town on Saturday evening.

More than 150 events are planned across more than a fortnight as part of the annual celebration of Scotland's national bard.

The carnival was part of three days of family fun, workshops, outdoor light and projection shows, food market, funfairs, outdoor stages and bar.

Big crowds lined the streets of Dumfries to see the parade

A great deal of time and effort went into the preparation of the costumes

The Big Burns Supper is taking place over more than a fortnight in the town

A wide range of groups took part in the carnival

The carnival was part of three days of family fun

Costumes of all kinds were on show

Dumfries town centre was packed with people for the carnival on Saturday