Glorious sunshine helped to turn an annual Birmingham street party into a record-breaking success.

At least 60,000 people from all over the country flocked to the Harborne Carnival on Sunday, organisers said.

In time honoured tradition, the High Street event was opened by the Carnival Queen, 19-year-old Ellie Johnson, who this year was accompanied by Harborne ward councillor John Alden.

Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council, back from his high-profile business meeting in Longbridge with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, announced Ellie as queen.

The festival, now the second largest street party in England behind Notting Hill, was organised by the Harborne Carnival Association which chose to adopt a royal theme.

Association chairman Paul Burgess said: “It was fantastic and we had record crowds.

“A huge number of people enjoyed what was a brilliant community day out.

“We had over 80 charity stalls out, the highest number we’ve ever had, so hopefully a lot of charities benefited from the day.

“Everything went according to plan and our queen was brilliant.

“She looked beautiful and did a great job.”

Ellie, a former King Edward VI Five Ways School pupil, is a regular visitor to the carnival, but said it was a huge honour to actually be a part of the event.

“It went brilliantly and was a really nice day,” she said.

“The weather was fantastic, although the sun always comes out for the carnival.

“There were just so many people and everyone was really interested in what we were doing.

“It was a long and tiring day, but well worth it.”

Ellie’s duties do not end there however, as she must also attend other civic functions until her reign ends, including turning on the Christmas lights in Harborne.

A cavalcade of vintage cars were paraded along the High Street as were a procession of floats carrying various bands including a world famous troupe of Irish dancers.