CARLISLE was ablaze with colour and noise on Saturday as the Cumbrian Diversity Carnival passed through the city centre.

Organised by Pride in North Cumbria (PiNC) and Multicultural Cumbria, the diversity carnival brought drummers and dancers together in a dazzling display.

Flags of all nations were amongst the crowd as the procession travelled through the city and into Bitts Park for a celebratory lunch.

Multicultural Cumbria said: “Lovely afternoon in the diversity Carnival with PiNC LGBT Youth, Carlisle City of Sanctuary and the amazing drummers. Thank you to all who participated.”

The carnival marked the start of pride month with celebrations underway in towns and cities across the UK.

Despite the colour, the event was ‘spoilt’ by the behaviour of a group of youths and a dispersal order was issued by the police.

Two youths were removed from the area and police are working to identify the rest of the group.

READ MORE: Iconic locomotive pictured passing through Cumbria

A spokesperson for Carlisle Police said: “There was a welcome splash of colour and the sound of drums in the City Centre today with the Cumbrian Diversity Carnival followed by The Big Lunch in Bitts Park. Organised by PiNC and Multicultural Cumbria.

“It was great to see the city centre so busy which was only spoilt by the behaviour of a small number of youths.

“A dispersal order was authorised and two of the youths were removed from the area for the rest of the day. Work is still ongoing to identify the rest of the group.”