Giant caterpillar and Lycra-clad stilt walkers lead Jubilee fun in Hull

Crowds of people lined the streets as the carnival-style procession travelled its one-mile route through the city centre.

Pipers led the colourful parade ahead of the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Daniel Brown, and his wife in a horse-drawn carriage.

A band of drummers provided a party atmosphere from the balcony of Hull City Hall as the Lord Mayor’s Parade passed by.

Children laughed and cheered as a giant caterpillar carried by 17 people weaved its way along the streets.

The caterpillar was commissioned by Hull City Council for the Olympic Torch relay, which arrives in the city later this month.

Shiny Lycra-clad stilt walkers also carried a fake Olympic Torch, while a group bearing a home-made red, white and blue aeroplane featuring the number 60 on its tail gave a nod to the Diamond Jubilee.

Large puppets brought up the rear of the parade behind cyclists, flag-bearers, dignitaries and groups of children, who stopped to carry out a martial arts routine.

The Lord Mayor said: “It will be a day that will see the city come to life and I hope to see many residents, and people visiting the city, enjoy the celebrations.

“People can get involved with activities or enjoy the atmosphere and watch the colourful parade, music events and spectacular laser show. It will be a day to remember.”

Thousands of people gathered among strings of Union flag bunting in Queens Gardens following the parade to enjoy picnics and children’s activities.

The Diamond Jubilee concert in London was being shown on a big screen in the gardens this evening before the lighting of the beacon and a coloured laser light show, beamed into the sky.