NOTTINGHAM city centre was filled with the sound of samba yesterday as 1,500 performers danced their way to The Forest recreation ground.

The Caribbean Carnival parade brightened up Friar Lane and Old Market Square with colourful costumes, before making its way up Derby Road.

At the front was Sarena Kay, leading the Nottingham School of Samba, children from Our Lady Primary School, in Bulwell, and 26 other troupes.

Sarena, 27, from Forest Fields, said it was an honour to be at the head of the parade.

She said: "It takes weeks of practice to do the dances.

"But we really love the music and the party atmosphere."

Ruel Stewart, 45, an assistant pastor from the Shekinah church group based in Gedling, was dressed as a giant dove.

He said: "We wanted to bring a message of peace to Nottingham city and say 'Get rid of gun and knife crime'."

Mr Stewart was joined by dancers from the Shekinah and the New Testament church groups.

Immani Campbell, 14, had co-ordinated the dance with Shanade Williams, 12, and Jannell Williams, 16.

She said: "We love the atmosphere and dancing, and we've come to show that you can be in the church and have as much fun as other people."

Paige Johnson, 17, was representing the theme of survival with her elaborate Venus fly-trap costume.

Paige, from the Hya Level troupe, said: "It's great to be out in front of people, dancing."

Hundreds lined the parade route.

Leah Morgan 41, a sales rep from Bakersfield, watching for the first time, said: "It's so energetic and lively, and the costumes are fantastic."

The parade ended at The Forest recreation ground, where live music and activities were held on Saturday and Sunday.

Richard Renwick, chairman of the carnival trust, said he believed this year's event, sponsored by Tuntum Housing Association among others, was the biggest yet.

He said: "We expect to have reached and entertained at least 50,000 over the weekend.

"We had the most people we have ever had on the Saturday." Mr Renwick said he believed the good weather had helped boost numbers.

Organisers booked Jamaican reggae act Beenie Man to headline the event last night.

The artist has been criticised for controversial lyrics but was asked to give a family-friendly performance.

Mr Renwick said: "It's a real coup."

sarah.firth@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk