THE spirit of Rio de Janeiro came to a South Lakeland village as thousands flocked to its bi-ennial Brazilian carnival.

The eighth Staveley Carnival weekend went with a huge bang on Sunday – just as Brazil’s football World Cup came to a climax – in a spectacular procession of colourful costumes.

Adults and children alike had backed a three- months-long creative arts project which saw locals create their own costumes on a Magical and Mystical Creatures theme.

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“It was just brilliant and really breathed life into the village,” said organiser Ro Thomas, of Staveley carnival co-operative.

“There was a sea of colour, enormous costumes with the sun shining through and people dancing in the streets. We went round the whole village celebrating everything about Staveley.

“Everyone from babies to old people was having a lovely time at what was just a fantastic event.

“There was a real build up to the carnival and the buzz will now carry on for months and months.”

Started in 2000, the carnival weekend runs from Friday to Sunday with art shows, live music, and food.