A SEA of colour, music and dance will transform York city centre tomorrow as York Carnival hits the streets for the ninth year in a row, writes Freddie Nathan.

Since its conception in 2004, when a University of York student had the idea of creating an event which would link the student body with the wider York community, the carnival has attracted bigger acts and seen its size increase year-on-year.

A range of activities and events have been organised by a student-run committee, in close partnership with City of York Council.

Students have gone into local schools where children have helped design banners and a giant caterpillar, which will make an appearance in the parade.

Starting at 12.15pm in the Minster Gardens, a colourful parade will be led through the streets, by York Samba band, finishing at Parliament Street.

Two music stages, one outside Marks & Spencer in Parliament Street and one in St Sampson’s Square, will showcase bands, dancers, choirs, DJs, drums and jugglers.

The best of university talent will be on show, as will indie band My Forever, who have been featured on Radio One. Local groups such as the City of York Pipe Band are also playing.

The entertainment will continue throughout the day and into the evening.

There will also be a vintage fair with free entry.

Organiser Liz Fletcher said: “We will continue come rain or shine. We have worked too hard to let it dampen our spirits.”