Nearly 30,000 spectators have attended a carnival parade in Brussels. Modelled on those in New York, the parade included cartoon and animal-shaped helium balloons for the first time.

The Smurfs balloon

Inspired by New York balloon parades such as Macy's on Thanksgiving Day folklore groups, police and fire brigades paraded to the sounds of marching bands.

Huge helium balloons in the shape of comic characters like the Smurfs or animals floated above the parade.

The organizers say 250 people participated in Saturday's carnival parade, including those marching and holding the helium balloons. Many were local volunteers and scouts.

The spectators were delighted.