The carnival started at 14.30BST in Swansea on Saturday

Both took place on the weekend and saw the streets of Swansea and London come alive with colourfully-costumed revellers dancing to music from around the world.

More than a million spectators were expected to join in the fun over two days at Notting Hill with thousands of people taking part in the processions.

Swansea's Mas Carnival was on a much smaller scale but the event has grown in popularity every year since it started in 1998, with 30,000 people lining the streets last year.

We've been very busy, producing costumes for nearly 800 people, roughly 55 children and the rest adults Ana Rutter co-ordinater

Saturday saw nearly 800 participants parade through the city enjoying the massed sounds of Samba, Soca, Punjabi and African street drumming.

As well as the colourful masks and headpieces there were giant puppets and mobile sculptures.

It is organised by South Wales Intercultural Community Arts (SWICA) with funding from the city council and Arts Council for Wales.

Co-ordinater Ana Rutter said those taking part had been working flat out preparing the spectacle at the Counterpoint Theatre in Swansea College for the last three weeks.

"We've been very busy, producing costumes for nearly 800 people, roughly 55 children and the rest adults," she said.

"We've also held drumming and dance workshops.

800 people paraded through Swansea

"We have an open access policy so anyone who wants to take part can do so.

"There are also groups from the Chinese, Philippine and Punjabi communities, community circus groups and groups from community centres."

The parade kicked off at Swansea College's Llwyn y Bryn Campus on Walter Road at 14:30BST.

It then proceeded along Walter Road, George Street, Nicholl Street, St. Helen's Road, The Kingsway, Dilwyn Street, and Oxford Street.

A staged finale took place in Castle Square at 1800BST.