A GIANT downpour on Sunday didn’t stop hundreds of people lining Chester streets for the city’s Carnival of Giants.

Torrential rain heralded the start of the procession of 100 giants from St John Street but the parade weaved along Eastgate Street, along Bridge Street and back to Town Hall Square.

The carnival, part of MBNA Chestival, was the largest gathering of giants in the world, featuring creations from schools, community groups, companies, youth clubs, a mother-and-toddler group and a choir.

Drummers drowned out the beat of the rain and musicians and singers entertained the crowds, who had braved the cold and rain to cheer on participants.

Entertainment continued at Chester’s Town Hall Square with Dee Banks Samba Band, Karamba Samba, IndepenDance, Chester women’s choir A Handbag of Harmonies and others who braved the rain to perform to hardened supporters.

Carnival co-ordinator Francisco Carrasco said: “Everyone really pulled together to make the carnival a success.

“Drummers and singers didn’t let the rain stop the fun. My only disappointment was for those groups who had worked so hard to develop acts for the amphitheatre stage but couldn’t perform them because it was so wet.”

The giants were divided into four sections: The Royals, led by giant figures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Community, The Earth (Environment) and The Visitors.