Some 600 people, including two samba bands, two choirs and several dance groups took part in a parade through Maidstone town centre.

The Maidstone Parade, staged by the Maidstone Town Team, with Maidstone council and Town Centre Management, made its way loudly from Jubilee Square to Brenchley Gardens in the summer sunshine.

Traffic had to be stopped temporarily as the long line of groups crossed the High Street before heading through Fremlin Walk, and crossing St Faiths Street to Brenchley Gardens.

It had a theme of All Around the World, with many in costume for the event.

The Maidstone Singers and Rock Choir performed in Jubilee Square before heading to the gardens where there were performances by the Jubilee Creative Arts Academy, The Maplesden Noakes School dancers, Directions Performing Arts and Mandy Ellen Performing Arts.

The town's annual arts festival will continue next weekend, when there will be more colourful yarn bombing in Jubilee Square.

There will also be a concert in Brenchley Gardens at 3pm next Sunday by the BAE Systems Brass Band.