BRAZILIAN rhythms gave a World Cup feel to the opening of this year's Caterham Carnival.
The Boco do Sul samba band were in the impressive parade around the town's roads on Saturday, before ending up at the Westway carnival ground.
Other highlights included Warlingham Flute Band, decorated floats and walking groups dressed as book characters.
Thousands of visitors enjoyed the afternoon of fun, despite spots of drizzle and menacing clouds.
Energetic arena displays during the afternoon included gymnastics, pole dancing and acrobatics from members of the Skaterham skate park.
There were also dozens of stalls and sideshows to keep visitors entertained, as well as a large funfair. A host of local organisations took part, including Caterham Dene Hospital League of Friends, de Stafford School Parents and Staff Association, and the Caterham and District Horticultural Society.
The eye-catching parade was co-ordinated by John Soffe, of the Arc arts centre in Weston Drive, who carried a giant puppet of Harry Potter character Hagrid.
This year's beneficiaries from the carnival and other money-spinning events are Skaterham, the Arc, and also the 2nd Hamsey Green Scout group.
