The Brouhaha festival in Liverpool

CARNIVAL fever hit Liverpool on Saturday as the Brouhaha paraded through the streets and into Princes Park.

Over 1,500 performers from Merseyside were joined by acts from all over the world as they wove their way down, Mulberry Street through Catherine Street, Princes Avenue, Devonshire Road and into Princes Park.

Thousands of people, many with young families, lined the streets and cheered on all of the acts who were wearing an array of costumes.

From slaves to ships, African dancers to samba drums the streets of Toxteth were alive with sounds from many different cultures.

This year’s parade was called “Viey La Cou - de old time courtyard” and celebrated the way in which African slaves, banned from participation in public carnival, developed their own forms of artistic expression in a courtyard environment.

The procession made its way into Princes Park where over the course of the day 45,000 people enjoyed music and acts on the five stages and stalls of global cuisine.

Giles Agis, executive director of the Brouhaha said: “It has been fantastic better than I could have hoped.

“Everyone is enjoying themselves, relaxing in the sun and making the most of a beautiful summers days.

“The diversity of people and cultures here is brilliant, a microcosm of Merseyside, a microcosm of the world. It really is the world in Princes Park.”

Mr Agis added: “Everyone deserves a round of applause especially the community groups who under the guidance of Allen Mahabir have worked tirelessly.”

See Monday's paper - on sale throughout Merseyside, Cheshire and West Lancashire - for more reaction to the parade.