Rio carnival comes to Perth races FUNDRAISER: Colourful event supports children’s cancer charity

Around 10,000 punters enjoyed a Riostyle carnival vibe at Perth Racecourse at the weekend, while raising crucial funds to help fight childhood cancer.

Samba dancers greeted the crowds at Britain’s most northerly track on Saturday.

The Carnival Raceday event was organised to raise money for children’s charity CLIC Sargent, an organisation which provides emotional, practical and financial support to young cancer patients and their families.

The total raised this weekend has yet to be revealed, but organisers hope to smash a target of £16,000 which was raised at the event last year.

Hazel Peplinski, chief executive of Perth Racecourse, said: “The CLIC Sargent Carnival race meeting is a huge event in our racing calendar and we’ve been looking forward to it all season.

“It’s been an action packed, colourful day with everyone in the party mood.”

Performers from the Eletricat Brazilian Dance Group and musicians from the Sambalistic band brought the carnival to the track. After the races, live favourites Carbon Copy kept the party going in the racecourse Barn venue.

As well as seven jump races during the afternoon, organisers lined up a range of side attractions including face painting, inflatables and a surf simulator.

The racecourse is getting ready to say goodbye to its busy 2016 season with a Glorious Finale event on September 22.

Pictures: Steve MacDougall. Musicians from Sambalistic entertain, above, while members of the Brazilian Samba dance group Brazamba give an energetic performance, right.