TENS of thousands of people flocked to Tottenham today to enjoy the multicultural fun and frolics of the carnival.
Vibrant floats, samba dancers, circus troupes, footballers and bands marched from Eade Road to Bruce Castle Park for the 13th annual festival, cheered on by swarms of residents.
The revellers were then treated to six stages of music, a giant inflatable galleon ship, and 80 business and entertainment stalls.
The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation were putting budding football stars through their paces in the tennis court area, while more arty sorts painted giant pictures or designed their own t-shirts.
A new installation this year was the "bubble", a giant inflatable dance space commissioned by public arts group UP Projects, where dance organisation Fevered Sleep performed an interactive show for visitors throughout the day.
Annie White, who founded Tottenham Carnival with the Haringey Arts Council in 1997, believed the event remained so popular because "it brought the community together".
She said: "After 13 years I think people know what to expect. And there's nothing else to touch it in the area.
"The whole idea is to celebrate the diversity of London. It's a chance for everyone to come together and meet each other."
Rebecca Hurst, 18, a student from City and Islington College, was dancing in the procession as part of People's World, a carnival group for young people.
All the youngsters crafted their costumes themselves, creating giant fins, wings and feathers from an array of dazzling material.
Rebecca said: "It's been a great experience. There aren't any other opportunities like this for young people to come together like this.
"I'm definitely keen to do it again."
Francesca Martello, 34, a teacher for circus training school Circa Nova, led a sprightly horde of jugglers, acrobats and stilt walkers in the parade.
She said: "It's our third year here and it's always a lot of fun - especially as it hasn't rained.
"It's a great way for us to show off our skills and try to recruit new people."
David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, also attended the event.
He said: "From people designing floats and putting the finishing touches to their costumes to performers rehearsing their acts - the quality of talent on display never fails to excite and impress."
Joanne McCartney, GLA member for Enfield and Haringey, added: "This is truly Tottenham coming together and celebrating life and our community.
"Some of London's finest performers come from all over the region to take part, including many of our local people.
"It's a family-friendly riot of entertainment that I am proud to support."
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