An estimated 5,000 people thronged the streets of Diss to welcome the parade of carnival floats to the town for the first time since 2001 with more than 50 vehicles and walking groups taking part.

Crowds were packed three deep around the Mere to see a display by the East Anglian Working Newfoundland dogs at the start of Carnival Sunday with a capacity attendance for the afternoon fun day at Diss Town Football Club, opened by Stewart White of BBC East.

The Greyhound pub won the award for best commercial float, with Diss Brownies winning the community award.

Town mayor Simon Olander said: "We couldn't have asked for more. The weather was fantastic and the response from the public has been incredible.

"The community all pulled together to show just what the town can offer.

"All the foundations are now in place to make sure this becomes an annual event."

A large audience was also in attendance on Saturday evening to see the South Norfolk Youth Symphonic Band perform Proms in the Park and the Market Place was packed on Sunday for a display by the Hoxon Hundred morris team.

What did you think about the Carnival? Email editorial@dissexpress.co.uk to let us know or add your comments below.

Did you take any pictures at the Carnival? Send them to us for use on this website - email jpeg images of no more than 2meg to editorial@dissexpress.co.uk

See what readers have sent in so far - here.

• See Friday's Diss Express for a full Carnival news and pictures round-up.

Your comments:

Jim, of Diss: "What a fantastic day. The weather was the crowning glory but congratulations to all the organisers and participants of the carnival day.

"I was proud to be from Diss - we showed what the town can do when everyone pulls together.

"Criticism? Nothing major - food and drink queues, no central arena.

"But you can't get everything right first time.

"Well done to one and all!"

Pauline, Diss: "It was a grand job by all involved with the Carnival.

"The procession was excellent and my grateful thanks go to everyone who clearly worked so hard to organise the Carnival, it was a fantastic spectacle."

"It was just a shame more shops and businesses did not get involved by decorating their shop fronts."

'Kim': "The weather was fantastic and the crowds were more than could be hoped for.

"The float procession looked lovely as it paraded through the the town. BUT, why was more not done on the park? The dog team were there on their own, why couldnt there have been stalls on there, Diss has so many cottage industries, they would have gone down really well, the old fudge stall, candy floss,the proper old time village green atmosphere had a chance to shine but it was lost.

"After queueing and walking slowly towards the football ground to admire the floats, previously glanced at on the street, WHERE WERE THEY?

"Gone, dismantled, nothing to see except a few stalls, of which once again, more variety would have been nice. Perhaps a show of something in the middle of the football pitch.

"The doves were a great touch and perhaps that could become a regular part of the carnival."

Jess Down, East Anglian Air Ambulance: "Thank you all so much for choosing to support us.

"It is greatly appreciated and needed for keeping our helicopters in the sky.

"I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as we did."

Kathy, Diss: "A great day with the whole town showing community spirit."

Dean Reeves: "A great day was had on Sunday. The parade was the highlight and I'm sure all would wish to pass on their appreciation for everyone that participated, and hopefully some money was raised for good causes as well.

"How delightful to see all ages and interests joining in, and being encouraged by all.

"Outside of the parade I think the organisation could have been better. My party had a 20-minute queue to get into the football ground and when inside it was disappointing. My estimate is a 40+ minute queue for food, and at least a 20-minute wait to get a drink. Surely there should have been some other options available, at the very least think of the children!

"When we had arrived, following a gentle walk from town with small ones, the fancy dress results were being delivered and the impression seemed to be that was it.

"But. A big but. It was still a grand day, and good to see Diss folk enjoying themselves."

Mathew Auckland, Diss Town Councillor: "I would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped make the Carnival such a tremendous success.

"Having been to several of the planning meetings, I knew how much time and effort went in to the day.

"This is great start to the town's ambition to hold an annual carnival and we will take what we have learned to make the 2009 Carnival an even bigger event."

Marion James, Diss Business Forum: "It was an excellent day and all those involved in the organisation should be absolutely delighted with the result.

"A lot of hard work from the Carnival Committee but definitely worth it.

"Well done everyone.

Sharon and family, Roydon: "Wow, what a day! Our family of five have just enjoyed a fantastic day - all for £4 and with no extra travel costs.

"I could not fault the value for money of Sunday and would willingly have paid far more.

"We got a free (and incredibly good) show by the dogs in the Mere, the stunning Carnival procession and morris dancers and then went to the football ground for even more entertainment.

"The admission programme alone was worth £2 but then to discover so much home-spun entertainment, from the fancy dress and kids' races to so many young musicians clearly destined for greater things was a bonus.

"And that's not to mention the fantastic idea of the 'Yard' recreated at the ground, the tractor parade, fire display and tug of war.

"Well done to everybody involved and we look forward to the 2009 event with eager anticipation."

Vivienne Weeks, DissLit Festival: "My congratulations to all involved with the Carnival.

"It looked a great success and was good to see so many people on the streets."

Simon Olander, Diss Town Mayor: "Can I just wholeheartedly thank everyone for what was a FANTASTIC day.

"I don't think we could have asked for better weather and everything to have gone the way it did.

"Insp Brown, of Diss Police, said the day went without incident so that was great and just goes to show that everyone was out for a fun day.

"Another positive was that the community was brought together and banished the view that Diss was on the downturn.

"Let's just hope that following this great success we have now put Diss firmly back on the map."

Dale Edwards, The Greyhound: "What a superb day we (The Greyhound) had on Sunday's Carnival Float Parade!

"What a fantastic turn-out by the people of Diss. It shows that the community spirit that is often missing in our town is still alive and well. (I guess we're just out of practice?)

"It was great to be part of the parade, and was so nice to smile and wave at people as we passed through the town and have them all smiling and waving back, it gave us a real buzz!

"A lot of work and preparation was involved, but it was well worth it and I'd highly recommend to any business or group to take part in next year's event.

"I'd like to thank some people who made the Greyhound Saloon float (Best Business Winner!) possible. Shaun Bartrum of Bartrum's Haulage Company for the kind use of the lorry (and driver - thanks John!) S&O Civil Engineering, Mindy's Roadshow, Norfolk Feather (cheers Mags!x) and of course all the Greyhound staff and customers for taking part.

"I look forward to next year's event being even bigger and better... Raft Race anyone?"