The sun was shining, barbecues were fired up and bands were playing.

Organisers of the Kemp Town Carnival in Brighton raised a glass to the 24C weather which saw thousands of people flock to take part in an event that some thought may never happen again.

It was launched three decades ago but in 2007 money and energy to make the Kemp Town Carnival go-ahead dried up.

But this year it was back and thanks to the help of tireless volunteers and generous sponsors it looks like it is here to stay.

Organisers breathed a huge sigh of relief on Saturday as more than a year and a half of hard work materialised and hundreds of fantastically dressed volunteers poured though the streets of Kemp Town.

Amongst the samba procession were acrobats, belly dancers, dragons, robots, firefighters and musicians.

Afterwards more fun got underway with live acts playing on four stages and a custard fight breaking out at 4pm.

St Georges Road was closed to traffic, allowing people to enjoy food and drink on tables and chairs brought out into the street.

The pubs and cafes were packed, the front of The Thomas Kemp was opened up for a DJ to play and there was also swing classes.

Youngsters whizzed down inflatable slides, enjoyed face painting and craft making and, for the first year, got to have a go at a climbing wall provided by Adventure Unlimited.

Local acts playing included the Rainbow Chorus, the Middle Street Chorus, band Sheet Creek and the Blatch Glee Club.

But at a cost of £26,000 it was no easy feat to organise.

Musician Mat Cook, who runs CooktheRabbit events, has spent more than a year and a half working with people in the community to find a way to bring the carnival back.

See a full report and pictures in today's Argus.