The Manchester Caribbean Carnival had thousands dancing to the samba beat in the August sunshine.

The two-day annual festival was launched in style with the rainbow-coloured parade bouncing its way through south Manchester as crowds lined the streets of Moss Side and Hulme.

Scores of extravagantly decorated floats and dancers dressed in beautiful traditional outfits celebrated with music blaring for the mass street party.

Based at Alexandra Park, where the parade started and finished, this year's event carries a Bajan theme, marking 50 years of independence in Barbados, as well as the 50th anniversary of Guyana.

(Image: © Joel Goodman)

There were plenty of blue and yellow colours flowing through the parade to reflect the theme, with many supporters waving the Bajan flag with pride.

Back at the park, families tucked into traditional Caribbean jerk chicken and other signature dishes, with the opportunity to learn how to play a drum or create a slice of the tropical islands to take home at the craft workshops, also proving too good to miss.

There are 10 stages offering a range of music, from dubstep to acoustic samba, with the Red Bull Music Academy Sound System stage returning for a third year, featuring acts such as Birmingham grime queen Lady Leshurr, Manchester’s own Levelz, and many more besides.

WATCH: Crowds dance at Manchester Carnival

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Also drawing the crowds was a new addition the Strat Corner, celebrating the emerald isle of Montserrat with SOCA, calypso, traditional singing, costumes and food.

And Caribbean culture takes a back seat over at the Latin and Trini Corner, which offers salsa and reggaeton lessons.

Sarah Collier, who had travelled from Bolton to the festival with her 10-month-old daughter Martha Sue and husband Aron, said: "There's not one culture or age that isn't here.

"There really is something for everyone. We've really enjoyed the vibe and our baby has been looking around in wonder the whole time."

IN PICTURES: Manchester Caribbean Carnival

Aron added: "We go to Glastonbury and this is just like a mini Glastonbury. Great atmosphere."

Rick Biggs attended the event with his family, including toddler son Aaron, come to the park from Oldham.

"I've been before and really wanted to bring the family this time.

"We've had a great day, we love the music and the food and it's so good that it's free entry. It's been really nice," he said.

The carnival continues on Sunday, with highlights including the all-new Asian Corner, with dhol drumming, bhangra dance, fire eaters, and yet more food.