A RECORD number of revellers shook their hips at a sun-kissed Kemp Town Carnival this weekend.

More than 25,000 spectators are estimated to have filled the streets of Brighton on Saturday for the seventh year of one of the city’s biggest free open air events.

Organiser Mat Cook hailed the event a huge and trouble-free success and thanked all the volunteers who had made it happen.

But he warned that the event could become a “victim of its own success” and was concerned that Saturday’s event was at full capacity.

New improvements to this year’s event included a fifth live music stage, four times as many toilets as previously, and improved security with new barriers and for the first time a Sussex Police presence.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of bands, performing acrobats, a huge array of market stalls, a giant custard pie fight and the traditional parade of flowers among a host of other attractions.

An after-carnival party at One Church in Gloucester Place also raised £1,400 towards running costs for the event.

Mr Cook said he took great “pride” in having the “privilege” to organise the event which he felt was going from “strength to strength”.

He added: “We lost about £12,000 last year but it looks like we have caught up ground on that, although it’s too early to say for certain at this stage.

“I am pretty sure we exceeded the numbers from last year.

“To have that many people and to have no incidents of anything to speak of is great.

“Obviously the weather was great, we were watching it closely and we knew we were going to get wet in setting up but as soon as the parade started and the samba started the sun came out.

“It was just a fantastic day and we had a really great bunch of volunteers, not just from our own team, but also wonderful volunteers from Church of Christ the King.”

Among those singing the praises of the event online yesterday were Lucy Clarke-Billings, who tweeted: “I had the most amazing day at Kemptown Carni yesterday. Captain of the Awesome Machine a definite highlight. Sun, sea, music and cider. Yes.”

Kirstine Roberts, also on Twitter, said: “Fantastic day; sunshine, good music and great atmosphere. Thank you Kemptown Carni. Brill custard pie chase too.”

Penguin Media tweeted: “The Kemp Town Carnival 2014 is done! What a day! We loved being involved once again – same time next year?”

For more details visit www.kemptowncarnival.com.