Bright colours and reggae music brought the streets of West Reading alive on Bank Holiday Monday as the Reading Community Carnival came rolling into town.

As the procession led its way around Prospect Park, families and onlookers of all ages and nationalities came to see what all the noise was about – and to dance along to the music.

Stunning costumes and magnificent head-pieces created a real spectacle as the various groups and organisations taking part in the procession impressed onlookers who were out in their thousands to enjoy the fascinating show.

Pat Alleyne, who chairs the organisation committee, was delighted with the way the day went and said around 3,000 people came along to party in the West Reading park once the procession returned.

She said: “I was really pleased with how everything went as we had even more people involved this year so it was even bigger and I think definitely better.

“The costumes were stunning and people had put in a lot of time and effort to make them look so wonderful.

“The Community Carnival is an event that really brings the community together. People from all nationalities come along and enjoy the food and entertainment and it really is wonderful to see.

“The weather was relatively kind. Although it was overcast it was still warm and dry so people were able to enjoy the carnival without getting wet.”

She added: “The costumes can take up to a year to make. Some people will start as soon as this one finishes and will be working on them right up until the date next year.

“They are so fantastically elaborate it really is a pleasure to see them come to life.”

The food was a particular highlight for many carnival goers who took in the delights of the jerk chicken and other authentic Caribbean dishes.

Karine Griffiths lives in Norfolk Road, near the park, and had come out to watch the procession. She said: “We try and come to the Community Carnival every year because it is such a good event. Even if it’s raining we come along for the food because it’s amazing.”

Edward Sully, 12, was at the procession with his aunt Nora Sully from Beecham Road.

He said: “The procession was really good fun and the costumes were amazing. They were so big and bright, it really made the whole of Reading look colourful. I want to do the procession next year.”

For more photos see this week's Reading Post, out today.

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