FESTIVAL organisers are celebrating after thousands flocked to their hugely successful event.

Woodingdean Carnival took place on Saturday and thousands attended the annual community celebration.

The field at Woodingdean Primary School was filled with more than 40 stalls, providing activities run by businesses, charities, sport groups and organisations. Festival goers had plenty to eat with cakes, curry and hot dogs on offer and a café in the community centre next to the field.

Attractions for children included free circus skills workshops with Teardrop Circus and Aerial, a teacup carousel, mini tractor rides and a bouncy castle.

The event began at 11am with the arrival of the Carnival parade led by T S Zealous NTC marching band.

Groups from schools, nurseries, sports clubs and even a Stormtrooper made their way from Central Park to the carnival field.

The police escort went into the carnival and invited children to sit in the patrol car to set the sirens going.

The winner of this year’s parade cup was Oak Cottage Nursery. Councillor Dee Simson presented the award to the nursery for its creative costumes.

Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle gave a speech praising the event and the community in Woodingdean.

Event organiser Doug Stevens said: “I’m blown away by how well the day went. Wherever I looked on the field, people were smiling, children laughing and everyone was celebrating the great community we live in.

“Woodingdean Carnival is only possible thanks to a small dedicated team of volunteers as well as generous support from businesses and organisations across Woodingdean. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all who helped out and to everyone who came along.”