Organiser Anne Stewart said despite only taking over the event in December, her faith in the community was justified as they turned out in their thousands to support it.

"There's something about the simplicity of the event that brings the community together and strengthens it," she said.

"Sometimes with the business of tourism we forget that underneath is a wonderful community that supports and nurtures each other."

She said she was told it was one of the biggest parades ever with thousands lining the street.

"I want to thank the community for getting behind it, along with our financial backers and the council.

"The police were our traffic marshalls and did a great job. Having the street open to foot traffic only was wonderful and brought to mind the open spaces of European towns and cities, like an Italian piazza."

She said she looked forward to having more time to organise the parade in 2012 and would put the call out for interested volunteers and financial backers in the middle of the year.

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