Firefighters and the Essex Caledonian Pipe Band led the way for Braintree's carnival procession which was drenched in summer sunshine.

The first floats passed through Manor Street and on to the High Street at 2.30pm, with the Braintree Carnival Court following suit.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the procession, including majorettes, zumba dancers, theatre groups and members of local charities dressed in their best Disney attire.

The carnival has now pitched up in the field off Meadowside in Braintree, where families will enjoy rides, food, drinks and music until 10pm. 

See next Thursday's Braintree Times for a full spread of pictures.