The return of a much loved carnival and parade saw locals flood the streets of a Stoke-on-Trent town on Sunday (26 April).

The Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade, organised by Longton-based arts organisation Urban Wilderness CIC, took place around the Longton Exchange shopping centre and The Strand

Featuring performance stages, live music, a funfair, street food and an artisan market, the event also included the spectacular Pig Walk parade – which this year brought to life classic children's stories in celebration of the National Year of Reading.

Kelvin the Kiln made a special appearance (image via Nub News)

Pupils from Clarice Cliff Co-op Academy chose Peter Pan, Urban Wilderness CIC's Teen Squad, presented The Odyssey, the 8th North Staffordshire Boys Brigade showcased Treasure Island and Urban Wilderness CIC creative volunteers and performers reimagined Alice in Wonderland.

All sections featured costumes created by Shademakers UK, an international carnival company based on the Isle of Wight, and worn by local volunteer performers.

All sections featured costumes created by Shademakers UK (image via Nub News)

The parade celebrates a true story from the 1880s when the Mayor of Longton, John Aynsley, successfully drove a pig from Trentham to Longton to win a bet with the Duke of Sutherland.

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As a result, Aynsley won the land to create Queen's Park and the money to build Longton Cottage Hospital.

The parade celebrates the story of John Aynsley who successfully drove a pig from Trentham to Longton to win a bet (image via Nub News)

Urban Wilderness CIC co-director Jenny Harper previously said: "Life is richer for the stories that we share, and the talent and energy the teenagers have put into building puppets for their Odyssey section has been a joy."

Urban Wilderness CIC co-director Jenny Harper said 'life is richer for the stories that we share' (image via Nub News)

Co-director Isla Telford added: "The scale of this day is only possible through the strength of the community partnerships built through the shared purpose of bringing life back to Longton.

"Urban Wilderness CIC firmly believe that people need places and reason to connect in order to become a community, and that when that purpose is creativity communities grow in cohesion and optimism."

The event was organised by Urban Wilderness CIC (image via Nub News)

The event was supported by sponsors including Longton Exchange, and Duchess China 1888 Ltd, Longton Cultural and Artisan Market, Longton Victorian Market, Longton Central Methodist Hall and Staffordshire Film Archive.

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Funding has also been provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the UK Government and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke Creates and the National Lottery Community Fund.

A number of Longton-based partners also supported the celebration, including U7 Arts, Longton Snooker & Pool Club, BSN Construction Group, Launch-It, the Family Hub and The Sound of Coffee.