THE THEME was watery and so was the weather as Southamp-ton's colourful carnival spectacular wowed thousands of people who lined the city's streets at the weekend.

But despite the rain, more than 50,000 people turned out to marvel at the creative costumes and fantastic floats taking part in the street extravaganza.

Nearly 30 floats and dozens more walkers were out in force to revel in the procession.

With the theme of this year's event being maritime history, myths and legends, an abundance of different sea creatures and people were on show.

Leading the procession was one of the more dramatic entries from the Jump Up Carnival Association (JUCA) with a huge serpent as their central figure.

JUCA member Joyce Jacca said: "The carnival is great fun and a good way of celebrating and bringing people from all across the city and from all different cultures together."

Pupils at Redbridge Primary School proudly wore their Sinbad the Sailor outfits, while members of Bitterne Park Social Club masqueraded as Vikings for the day.

Redbridge School organiser Kelly Small said: "We entered last year with about 30 to 40 children but this year we have got about 60 youngsters. If it wasn't the summer holidays I think we would have easily got 100 children.

"It is just excellent and great fun."

Onlooker Sue Revill, from Portsmouth Road, Woolston, was watching the procession with her two children.

She said: "It's great. It's the first time I have seen it but I would come again.

"I am surprised how many people are here and how many floats there are."

Darren Wisniewski, of Hillyfields, Rown-hams, said: "I have been a few times before. It is the best I have seen - there was quite a bit there.

"They have put a lot of effort into their costumes. I would come again."

The parade kicked off from Mayflower Park at 2pm and wound its way around the city centre, including a trip under the new multi-million-pound West Quay shopping centre, before returning to the park for the evening's entertainment.

One of the most difficult jobs of the day went to the nine judges who had to pick the competition winners.

Chief judge and Mayor of Southampton Peter Wakeford said: "There are some very good standards and some good costumes. A lot of hard work has been put into it.

"The atmosphere seemed great and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves."

Soul legend Edwin Starr topped the bill of live music events which ran on three stages around the park, featuring everything from ragga to hip hop and dance music.

A variety of mouthwatering multi-cultural dishes were on offer for those visitors to the event who felt a bit peckish.

Winners: Best float was the Solent Stars basketball team with their Peter Pan in the 21st Century, best theme was Redbridge Primary School with Sinbad the Sailor and the best costume was JUCA's sea serpent.

The carnival tied in with the special three-day Festival of the Oceans which was running in Mayflower Park. See page 13 for pictures and coverage of the festival.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.