CARNIVAL organisers have promised a bigger and better event in 2010 after thousands lined the streets to watch this year’s parade.

Colchester Carnival pulled in an estimated 35,000 people on Saturday – the first parade for ten years – even though it was organised in weeks.

The chief driving force behind it, Ian Goldsworthy, said the successful start had created the momentum needed for an even more colourful celebration next year.

He said: “I need to meet a lot of people, but ideally, I would like to see a whole weekend of events.

“It would need a lot of co-operation and planning, but the turnout on Saturday shows there would be huge demand for it.

“My big fears were the floats would not look good and no-one would turn up. In the event, I thought the floats looked very good and I was bowled over by the number of people there.”

Don Quinn, whose Snake in the Grass company got involved with organising the event, agreed it should be a platform for a larger carnival next year.

He said: “Let’s start to organise for next year straight away, so we can have a bigger and improving carnival which grows every year.”

Mr Goldsworthy had earlier criticised shops for failing to take advantage of the crowds in High Street and Head Street by staying open late.

Michelle Reynolds, chairman of Colchester Retail Business Association, admitted: “I don’t think anybody really gave it a thought.”

She added: “The carnival was great fun and they should definitely run it again next year. Next year, shops will be better-prepared.”