'Safe' and 'successful' Leicester Caribbean Carnival

Leicester's Caribbean Carnival went ahead "successfully" and "safely", Leicestershire Police said.

The community carnival, one of the biggest of its kind in the UK, was held on Saturday in Victoria Park.

For the first time in the event's 26-year history, the carnival was held without a parade due to cost concerns.

Supt Mark Gamble, from Leicestershire Police, said about 20,000 people went to the carnival, no crimes were reported and no arrests were made.

'Peaceful' carnival

"I am very happy to report the carnival has been largely peaceful," said Supt Gamble.

"We have had a small number of incidents but the event passed off safely for the vast majority of those who attended."

Carnival chairman Dennis "Sugar" Christopher added: "I would like to thank the members of the public who made it a successful and peaceful event."

The event was cancelled in 2006 due to insufficient funding.

The carnival currently receives money from Leicester City Council and the Arts Council, with additional support from organisers' own fundraising.