Thousands take part in Children’s Parade as Brighton Festival gets under way

Thousands of children, parents and teachers took to the streets of Brighton for the Children’s Parade despite showers and a chilly breeze.

The Children’s Parade is the opening event of the Brighton Festival.

Children’s author Michael Rosen led the parade which had an alphabet theme this year, reflecting his love of language.

The parade is organised by community arts group Same Sky which spends months working behind the scenes to help inspire and create the colourful costumes.

An estimated 5,000 children took part from 83 schools, colleges and community groups in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area.

The parade started in Kensington Street and ended up on the seafront at Madeira Drive.