In  a spectacular blaze of colour, under a blazing sun, Toronto Caribbean carnival 2016  was launched yesterday at Nathan Phillips Square.

Officially opening the festival  was Toronto Mayor John Tory.

Onstage were more than 100  models in costume from no fewer than 12 mas’ bands as the  rhythmic sounds of soca, the steelband and tassa filled the air outside City Hall.

Come July 30, mas’ players will hit the street in the grand carnival parade.

Photos by Gerard Richardson