The Brighton Festival starts with the Children's Parade on the first Saturday in May, a very enjoyable event organised by Same Sky Community Arts Group.

At the core of the event are the pupils, teachers and parents of the city's primary schools, other community groups, and a number of street bands. There are around 4,000 participants and as many as 10,000 line the route of the parade to watch and give encouragement.

The displays on parade are really impressive (see photo galleries) and the enthusiasm is massive.

Preparation for the event takes 4 months.  Artists from Same Sky work with schools and community groups developing skills in carnival construction, dance and chant.

The Children's Parade starts from North Laine at around 10-30 am. The route goes through the streets of the old town, across the seafront road (Kings Road) at the bottom of East Street, along the Upper Promenade, and into Madeira Drive.

2009 Event: 20th Children's Parade, Saturday, 2nd May