THOUSANDS of people danced to the sound of steel drums and soulful voices in the sunshine at the Caribana Festival.

The Rye, in High Wycombe, was crowded as the temperature soared into the 80s.

Stalls, food stands, a fairground, a stage and activities provided the back drop for the Sunday event but nothing could top the Caribana parade that went from The Rye, through the town and back to The Rye again.

Miles Lawless, 38, and Samantha Lyfield, 33, of Micklefield, High Wycombe, sat and enjoyed the sunshine.

Miles said: "We come to the festival most years but the weather has never been as good as this. I said to Samantha 'Are you sure we are in England?'

"The weather makes the day really. It gives it that little bit extra. It's brilliant to sit back with a few beers and chill out."

Carnival-goers could sample traditional Caribbean food on some of the food stalls including a fruit stall, the Calypso Kitchen and the Creole food stall.

Those who did not fancy that could sample the burgers and hotdogs or some even had a taste of the orient at the Japanese stall.

"It's just brilliant," said 19-year-old Kellie Davison, of Desborough Avenue, High Wycombe, who was at the festival for the first time. "I cannot believe the weather. It makes the day perfect.

She added: "It's just like all the community are here not just black people but everyone. The food, the atmosphere, the drink, it's all fantastic."

Children and adults alike dressed in colourful, tall costumes to parade around The Rye and through the town centre, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to High Wycombe.

Jamie Cryer travelled from London to see friends and visit the Caribana. He said: "Everyone is having a great time. I have been to one before but the weather wasn't as nice. It's like we are actually in the tropics."