Thousands of people join in with carnival celebrations

Maria and Evelyn hoped they inspired people to learn to dance and drum at Paraíso School of Samba.

People donned colourful costumes and danced on the streets at a carnival that attracted thousands of people.

Luton International Carnival, which began in 1976, was inspired by African-Caribbean culture. Now in its 48th year, it also encouraged communities to celebrate carnival traditions from around the world.

Michael Sarkodie, a founder of Ghana Society UK, said his group spent about five weeks creating outfits and rehearsing for the event in a community space in the Bedfordshire town centre.

He added: "We've been so excited, there's so much chaos in the preparations because there's a lot of expectations.

"For carnival 2024, we said we're going to bring the vibes, stay tuned, stay in your seats because it's about to be a lit experience."

This year, the event used only one petrol truck in an attempt to be more sustainable.

The carnival was commissioned by Luton Borough Council and produced by the UK Carnival Arts Centre.

The parade began at 13:00 BST and over the course of about four hours moved from Flowers Way, through Luton Town Centre, to St Georges Square and onto Guilford Street, before setting down at Silver Street outside The Mall Luton.

Michael Sarkodie (right) said his group have spent about five weeks preparing for Luton carnival

Actor Colin Salmon and Wife, Fiona Hawthorne were named this year's official champions.

The EastEnders and Doctor Who star grew up in the town, attended Ashcroft High School and played the trumpet in Luton's Salvation Army from the age of seven.

Salmon, who officially opened the event, said "carnival is everything".

The 62-year-old added: "We are working people, we work really hard and we play hard, for the kids that don't go on summer holidays or get a chance to be championed this is their day- they get a chance to be kings and queens of England.

"We're going to celebrate Luton... We can all sit back an moan and be critical and be negative but include yourself, be part of it."

Actor Colin Salmon officially opened the event while his wife was in Chicago

Maria Melo and Evelyne Joss took part from Paraíso School of Samba.

They were wearing costumes based on ancient Egypt - Ms Melo wore a Cleopatra style outfit while Ms Joss wore a costume inspired by Egyptian goddesses.

For both women it was their second time at Luton carnival.

Ms Joss said: "We love it because we are here to enjoy ourselves but also make sure the people watching us enjoy themselves too".

Ms Melo told the BBC lots of people ask for photos and added: "Even more when you start dancing."

Maureen Drummond said the atmosphere in Luton was "buzzing"

Maureen Drummond has been taking part in the carnival for ten years.

She paraded through Luton dressed as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

She said: "When we look at all the diversity around, everybody is from different backgrounds, coming together to make costumes for the carnival and take part in the parade."

However she worried about the future of the event and said it was "getting shorter".

Ms Drummond continued: "If they keep shortening it people won't take part, people put a lot of time in effort into these costumes."

Angela Walters hoped carnival could continue the "good vibes" from Radio 1's Big Weekend

Angela Walters, who was dressed in the theme of 'music' hoped the event would keep the good atmosphere going after Radio 1's Big Weekend.

She said: "Come and represent the community, let's keep the vibe going and try something new."

Ms Walters has been taking part in the event for "a few years" and said this year she had spoken to a lot of people from outside the town.

Ms Walters encouraged people of Luton to come and enjoy the event as it as "taster" of what can be expected at Notting Hill Carnival.

Amari Williams has attended carnival before but was excited to use his drum

Amari Williams, 8, was dressed in some mock cheetah furs, peacock feathers and a large drum.

He was attending the carnival with his mum, grandmother and cousins.

The boy said: "We're going to be walking and dancing at the same time, we're going to be like on an adventure, but it's not an adventure.

"I get to dance and I get to use my drum."