A GIANT puppet strolled through the city's streets to mark the start of this year's International Arts Festival.

Patch marched behind children, dancers and musicians with his penguin friend on Sunday morning, May 26, to kick off Salisbury's annual celebration of the arts.

Powered by six puppeteers, the impressive six-metre-tall creation towered above shopfronts as he worked his way through Milford Street and Queen Street before taking a rest in Market Place.

Hundreds of people swarmed the streets of Salisbury for the magnificent display.

Several roads including Rampart Road, Brown Street and Gigant Street were closed while the procession was underway which caused confusion for unknowing drivers.

For more information about the upcoming events and to buy tickets visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk/salisbury-international-arts-festival.

Salisbury Journal: Patch the giant made his debut on Sunday, May 26.Patch the giant made his debut on Sunday, May 26. (Image: Joe Hoey)

The annual arts festival, founded in 1974, runs until Sunday, June 9, with a variety of performances and events for the community.

The two-week calendar is packed with interesting people including a conversation with author, comedian, screenwriter and presenter David Baddiel at Salisbury Playhouse on Saturday, June 1.

Hugh Dennis and Steve Punt are back on tour for the first time in 10 years and will also be gracing the playhouse on Saturday evening, June 1, to present their new live show.

Watch our live coverage of Patch's Parade

Award-winning comedians Sophie Duker and Matt Winning are warming up for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with 'Work and Progress' at Salisbury Arts Centre on Friday, June 7 at 7.30pm.

Wrapping up this year's International Arts Festival is the Trash Test Dummies at Rack Close, near the cathedral.

Described as "side-splitting slapstick comedy", the circus routine takes the household wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump-truck full of hilarity.