Record numbers of festival goers filled Geraldton with a carnival of colour, laughter and sound during this year’s Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival.

This year’s festival, which finished on October 12, has been labelled an enormous success with all events experiencing record participation and support.

Festival committee chairperson Julian Canny said the MMG Float Parade was a fabulous sight to see and received great involvement from businesses, community groups and individuals this year with 50 entries parading the streets of Geraldton creating fun, laughter and atmosphere.

Julian said over 3000 people enjoyed the fun and games of the Stirling Central Family Opening Day, while the Toll Truck Pull attracted more than 900 spectators. Geraldton Bullbars SciTech Science Roadshow entertained 775 people over two days, while the Colour Decor Pavement Art, Chapman Animal Hospital Pet Parade, Let’s Party Little Miss &Master Sunshine Pageant and the PCYC Teddy Bears Picnic all exceed past entry numbers.

“The festival was so well received this year,” Julian said.

“It was amazing to see the way the community embraced this treasured and long-lived festival once again.

“We were just ecstatic to see the level of support and the way people of all ages and backgrounds came together as one to celebrate our wonderful community.

“The committee would like to thank the community for its support - all the planning in the world would have been for nothing if the community did not embrace the 56th Sunshine Festival like it did. We still have a long way to go – though it is great to see that the festival still holds a place as one of the region’s favourite community events.

Mr Canny paid tribute to the many people and organisations who worked hard to make the event so special.

“Media support was critical and we could not have connected with everyone without their continued support with radio interviews, stories and community announcements,” Julian said.

“And community events cannot take place without the generous ongoing support and backing from funders including the City of Greater Geraldton and Lotterywest, and also our fabulous sponsors that live and work within our community.

The committee are seeking new energetic people with fresh ideas to lead the charge for 2015, would you like to join us?"