Hundreds braved the elements on Saturday to witness and take part in the first parade in Letchworth for more than 30 years.

The Comet: Letchworth Festival Grand Opening Parade.Letchworth Festival Grand Opening Parade. (Image: Archant)

The town was awash with rain and colour as the volunteer-run Letchworth Festival kicked off its fortnight of entertainment with a Grand Opening Parade in the town centre.

A Big Red Rig vehicle led proceedings, before enthusiastic paraders such as majorettes, sea cadets, Da Vinci School students in carnival-dress and Morris Men stole the show.

The parade saw participants assembling at Broadway Gardens before marching, twirling and dancing through Gernon Road, Eastcheap, Station Road and Station Place before returning along Broadway Gardens.

As well as a fun fair, a classic car display and plenty of food and refreshments, there was a central stage showcasing musicians, such as Owen Stephens belting out Ed Sheeran ballads.

Festival chairman Eric Adkins said: “The Grand Opening Parade went really well, and despite the rain there were lots of people turning out in the town.

“The parade was the real highlight, but the dancers were terrific and all the young people performed very well.

“We want to make the festival bigger and better each year so we need more volunteers to make it possible.”

Volunteer Amanda Breverton said: “The festival fortnight finally started and there’s still lots more to come.

“The Grand Opening Parade was a great success commencing with a fabulous colourful parade led by ‘Big Red’.”