HOYLAKE was gripped by carnival fever on Saturday when a parade took place as part of the town's seventh Festival of Firsts.

Hundreds lined the streets to watch the paraders, who were accompanied by Wirral Pipe Band.

Road closures were in place on Market Street, from the roundabout to Queens Park during the event.

At the same time there was a family fun day with music, dance at nearby Queen's Park, featuring stalls and drop-in art workshops for children.

Linda Gardiner, chair of Festival of Firsts, told the Globe: "The Carnival Parade Day has become a great highlight of The Festival.  

"It's great to see the Market Street so lively with so many coming out to enjoy The Parade and the music and all of the other activities on offer afterwards afterwards in Queen’s Park."

Showcasing local, national and international talent, it ends this Saturday and is regarded as one of the most eclectic and largely-free events on the festival calendar.  

On the festival's appeal, chair Linda Gardiner continued: "It's getting bigger by the year so many thanks to our volunteers, local businesses, community groups and individuals who’ve worked with us to make a fantastic day celebrating who we are and where we live.

"A great day!

"It's been a great year for Festival of Firsts.

"This has been a fantastic Festival. We try to provide something for everyone and many of our events have been sold out well in advance.

"We were all very proud and excited to be awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for voluntary organisations, earlier this year.

"A fantastic recognition of the work done by all of our volunteers over the last seven years."

Full details on this year's festival from festivaloffirsts.com/