IT WAS chilly and overcast, but the weather did not stop families flocking to Southend Carnival.

Hundreds of people lined the route from Chalkwell to Marine Parade in Southend last night.

Colourful floats, singers, dancers and majorettes delighted the crowds along the route.

Echo:

The procession was led by a fire engine followed by a bus with VIPs including Southend mayor Brian Kelly on board.

The Echo also had a float in this year's procession which had the theme of a newsroom from the past.

Echo staff, including our new Echo man mascot, delighted families as the procession made its way along the seafront.

Echo:

Mum Joanna Wilkinson, 30, from Westcliff, said: "It was a lovely night out. We followed the procession from Chalkwell and we loved all the singing and dancing.

"As it made its way onto Southend seafront, there was a lovely family atmosphere and with the lights of Adventure Island, it was great."

Alan Simpson, 25, took his children Adam, three and Isabel, two, to the event.

He said: "The carnival is different nowadays. There are fewer floats and I wish it could be as well supported as it was when I was a kid.

"But it was still good. The kids loved it. They danced to the music and loved all the characters dressed up and the mascots waving as they collected some coins.

"They didn't like the bus with all the zombies on it though, but it was very well done!"

Echo:

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