SIZZLING samba music brought the streets alive during the spectacular York Carnival parade.

Thousands of people flocked to the colourful event which celebrated music and dance from across the globe.

The Escola De Samba band led the thumping procession through the city centre from York Minster as costumed members pounded drums, blew whistles and shook maracas.

Dozens of tourists ignored the rainy conditions and joined the community party parade to dance South American style.

Youngsters from six York Brownie packs made a giant dragon for the procession, while pupils from Westfield Primary School carried sea creature sculptures, including a shark and giant octopus.

Liz Warren, of Green Feet theatre group, worked with the youngsters in preparing for yesterday's parade.

"The children have been fantastic, they've really got a lot out of it," she said.

Workshops were held throughout the day in music, craft and dance and 12 world music acts, including Ghanaian drumming group, Agbekor, performed on a huge stage in Parliament Street.

An East Asian Arts tent was set up in St Sampson's Square, housing Indonesian, Thai and Japanese music and craft.

Drumming and samba workshops were also held in Kings Square and local dance groups gave spectacular performances in Coppergate.

Joanne Hammond, chairwoman of the University of York student-run carnival committee, said she was delighted with the turn-out and spirit of the day.

She said: "There were so many talented people on show and everyone who came really enjoyed themselves.

"Fingers crossed we will be back next year."

Carnival founder Jessica Brand was shortlisted for a Whitbread Young Achiever award last summer thanks to her role in bringing the celebrations to life. The York music graduate was inspired to set up the event as a way of improving student and resident interaction.

The event was funded by Active York, a University of York initiative to encourage staff and students to actively contribute to the community, and also by sponsorship and fundraising activities.

Updated: 09:26 Monday, May 02, 2005