Pictures and video: Telford's Carnival of Giants draws big crowds

People were able to come face-to-face with giant models of historic dinosaurs during a parade which travelled through the streets of Southwater and Telford Town Park on Saturday.

The event, which received funding from Arts Council England, saw a parade of giant creatures – including dinosaurs – parading through Telford Town Park on Saturday.

The parade formed the highlight of a family fun day and featured about 500 participants from the local community.

It was a fun, colourful and interactive parade which attracted the attention of thousands.

Art companies Festive Road and Closer Act lead the parade with their dinosaurs that have been created and interacted with the audience.

Closer Act lead the parade with their Sauruses – giant prehistoric creatures ahead of band Skiband and the Dino Whisperers from Festive Road, who navigate time on bespoke bicycles.

Local dance groups and community groups also joined the route.

Jessica Rost, director and artist at Festival Road, said: "It takes about two to three months to create our dinosaurs.

"This is the first time they have all been shown together.

"It is a great event to be part of and we were honoured to be asked to come along."

Also school children from Windmill Primary School and Hollinswood Primary School took part as well as members of Dappers Dance.

Justine Ranson, creative development officer for Telford and Wrekin Council, said: "The school children worked really hard to make props for the parade as part of workshop they took part in May. They made flowers and prehistoric bones.

"Lots of people have come along to take part in the parade today which is great.

"I am very pleased with the turn out.

"We have also got people from Creative Support and Telford Library. They have worked very hard on colourful costumes and props.

"It has been great."

The carnival procession was also joined by festival street bands Skiband.

Meanwhile in Telford Park the National History Museum brought their own prehistoric creatures and offering an opportunity to take part in their T-rex sand dig.

Councillor Liz Clare, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for leisure services and culture, said: "I went up in the morning to see what was on offer and I was so pleased.

"It is an absolutely fantastic event and I am thrilled we could bring it back for a second year.

"The stands were brilliant and there was a lot on offer for young kids' right up to the bigger ones.

"The children absolutely loved the dinosaurs theme and it is free - what more could you ask for.

"It was a really really well thought out event and the weather was perfect.

"The atmosphere was lovely and it was great to see everyone having such a good time."

The day also consisted of performances, sports activities, a mini fair, dressing up box and a giant picnic chair.

One family who enjoyed the whole day was the Robinsons from Shrewsbury.

Ian Robinson, father of two, said it was a brilliant event.

He added: "We decided to take our two children - aged 5 and 7 - here today.

"They are both obsessed with dinosaurs so that's what attracted us to come.

"It is such a good event with so much to do. We have already been here four hours and the children are still entertained.

"The highlight was certainly a parade.

"It is great it is a free event - normally you would have to pay £5 for an event of this size."

Following the weekends successful Carnival of Giants, Telford Shopping Centre will be home to its own selection of Jurassic giants.

The dinosaurs have been created by Twins FX, one of the leading suppliers of visual special effects for theatre, film and television.

A seven-metre animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex, named Dorothy, will be located in Sherwood Square, outside Debenhams, and a trail of dinosaur footprints will lead from the T-Rex to other exhibits around the centre such as a baby stegosaurus and a Jurassic crocodile.

The prehistoric creatures will take up residence from July 23 until August 6, with Dorothy 'coming to life' every half hour between 10am and 4pm every Saturday and Sunday.