CREWE was the centre of the world as a parade inside Queen's Park replaced the traditional street procession.

The weekend of fun was launched on Saturday with Around the Park in 80 Minutes.

The colourful walking procession organised by theatre company Pickle-Herring was part of the alternatives to the usual march through the streets which had to be called off this year because of the repairs to Merrills Bridge in West Street.

The parade was based on Phileas Fogg's great expedition around the world and was brought to life by members of PickleHerring dressed up as characters and beating African drums accompanied by 80 children from Crewe playschemes waving puppets made from junk.

The colourful procession meandered through the park showing off displays, including a 15ft idol of Indian goddess Kali, sea monsters, dragons and jugglers.

When they arrived at the main arena they were greeted by cheering crowds who watched as they released balloons with hand-written messages attached.

PickleHerring founder Matt Smith, dressed as Phileas Fogg, said: 'There has been a great atmosphere and really positive feeling to the day. There are a lot of different things going on and what we are doing is quite unusual and appeals to all sorts of different people.

'The young have been inspired by our use of the creative arts in this parade. The children have really got involved.'

The walking parade was followed by a jaw-dropping display of acrobatics by The Black Eagles. The three Tanzanian men jumped through hoops, balanced on each other and limbo-danced under a flaming rod.

An equally energetic performance followed from Nantwich Trampoline club with superb sequences performed by the teenage members.