Zombies invaded Venice this weekend as the annual Carnival kicked off. The living dead lurched around the watery city's canals before they were herded into a piazza and despatched by zombie hunters.

The first official event was the traditional regatta on the Grand Canal. Hundreds of small boats rowed by colourfully costumed revellers jostled for space on the famous waterway.

This year's Venetian Carnival runs from the 15th of February until Shrove Tuesday – the 4th of March.