A colourful and multicultural chariot carnival will lead a day of festivities including dancing, stage shows and free food.

Rathayatra, which means the festival of the chariots, is marked by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, frequently know as Hare Krishnas.

The parade will start at 1pm outside Redbridge Town Hall, High Road on Sunday and make its way to Valentines Park, Cranbrook Road – both in Ilford. A marquee in the park will have ancient Indian cultural dancing, singing, devotional band, speeches and a book stall which will end at 5pm.

Carts signify when King Krishna’s people kidnapped him to return him to his home of Vrindavana in a cart.