Coney Island Mermaid Parade

An estimated half a million people lined the streets of Coney Island to watch the annual Mermaid Parade, New York's answer to Mardi Gras. Costumes combined seashells,glitter, wigs and body paint.
Revellers walked alongside colourful floats and danced to several live bands. The event, which is held to celebrate the beginning of summer, first took place in 1983.

(All images: Getty)