A TASTE of Rio came to Luton on bank holiday Monday as blazing sun and samba beats greeted thousands of revellers at Britain's biggest one-day party.

The town shook to the deafening beats of a variety of world music as hundreds of performers dressed in magnificent costumes danced through the streets of the town centre as part of Luton International Carnival's glittering procession.

Around 150,000 jubilant party-goers of all ages lined the extended parade route with up to 2,000 people taking part on more than 60 vibrant floats.

And unlike 2007 when the carnival was rained off, and last year's soggy celebrations, there wasn't an umbrella in sight on Monday, with the streets awash with dancers and drummers from community clubs, schools, charities and societies.

Hafiza Mohammed, one of the carnival organisers, said: "It's fantastic. I've been round the town centre and there's just so many people. There's a real mixture of people from all different backgrounds - it's amazing to see the whole thing come together."

With a variety of sound stages dotted around the town centre and entertainment acts including tight-rope walking jugglers and a dancing tea lady, there was something on offer for everyone.

Food on offer from around the globe ensured that everyone's tastes were catered for and a giant funfair and craft stalls in Wardown Park kept the family entertained.

An attempt at breaking the world-record for the biggest picnic saw more than 700 people enjoying a bite to eat in the sun on the park's cricket pitch.

For a full report with pictures, don't forget to pick up your copy of this week's Luton News and Dunstable Gazette, on sale from Wednesday at 45p.