Sun-soaked seaside streets
And it was being welcomed as a boost to the town where improvement work has been ongoing for some time.
Families brought along children and dogs while visitors of all ages enjoyed the day which saw a Sea King and Sea Queen bring the procession to a close around midday before the weather took a turn for the worse across the region.
But there was still plenty going on around the Spanish City Plaza with fairground rides, stalls, an arts and crafts marquee and food outlets as well as a performance stage. Local favourites The Caffreys and a Carnival Ball were set to top the entertainment bill later in the day.
Among those watching the procession near the Spanish City Dome was Maria Hunt, from Wallsend, who had invited along Stella Martin, “the best auntie in the world”, who turns 80 on Monday.
Maria, 57, said: “I read about the carnival and then rang my auntie as we’d not been before. We started at the beginning then followed it down here to see the stalls.”
Stella, from Cullercoats, added: “I think it’s colourful and it’s something Whitley Bay needs as a pick-me-up.”
Also enjoying themselves were Lynette Faulke and her eight-year-old son Jamie, who had come from Monkseaton.
“We’re having a lovely time,” said Lynette. “We’ve been looking at the stalls and are now looking for hamburgers and fish and chips.
“We missed the procession, which is a shame, but Jamie’s school was taking part, making bumblebees, and I saw the pictures which looked fabulous.”