We were hugely impressed by the creativity which carnival inspired in you but the entry we thought summed up the event was this, from Matt in Fishponds, who's been going to carnival for 20 years.

He couldn't live without carnival for these reasons:

Procession. Progression.
Laughing Kids. Jerk Chicken.
Booming systems.
Happy Smiling Faces.
Smells. Sights. Sounds.
Beautiful Music.
Sugar Cane. Patties. Colours.
And of course, it's always sunny for St. Paul's Carnival.

Matt wins the digital radio but we wanted to highlight some of the other entries:

So, the rest of you couldn't live without carnival because:

Lana in Bristol: "...there is that whole excitement of meeting with your friends, mingling with the crowd, watching the beautiful decorative floats of flamingos, lions and all the other tropical creatures..."

Mark in Bristol: "...it's without doubt Bristol's best summer event! Nowhere else in Bristol will you see a whole community so involved and welcoming. The music and food is worth it alone."

Sarah in St Werburghs: "...today the street is ours - the air vibrates with sound and colour. We're flying! and together we shout "YES!" to life, and to each other..."

This one came in anonymously:
You no maan
It's about celebration
Of people and culture maan
It gives the youth of the nation
The young generation
A chance to learn about the heritage of the people maan.

Dorothy loves: "its happy relaxed friendly atmosphere, bringing people together, sharing one big party. The music's infectious, you can't help dancing. Everyone can taste food of other cultures. I love Carnival..."

Darren in Montpelier: "it is seldom people can ditch their prejudices of St Pauls and embrace the positiveness, creativity and happiness that is strong in this community ;)"

Sabina in Taunton: "it is a celebration of summer. We rejoice in the brilliance of the sun ,and the splendor of the season. Be outdoors, meet friends, eat drink and rejoice. It is summer."

Fozia in Easton: "i think carnival is a must for us and for those who really want to show what r they capable of, its d best way 4 young ppl to take the 1st step."

Rosemary in Easton:
my birthday and carnival
always go together
so i dress to kill
pray for hot hot weather
hit St Pauls ina flashing whirl
outta my way
me a bashment girl!!!!!!

Joseph in Kingsdown: "...there is no other day where you can meet the diverse communities in Bristol together to celebrate a Caribbean-style street party. Cant wait"

Torie in Clevedon: "nothing else compares, you can dance like a muppet and nobody really cares. Don't forget your smile, or thirst to go play but grab your 'funbarella' or pray for sunny-day."

Naomi in Totterdown: "...it shakes up your senses with finger lickin' food, music merging on every corner and makes you feel alive!"

Karla in Fishponds: "...it's exciting, there's loads of things to do, loads of things to buy, loads of loud music, the dancing is wicked, everybody should enjoy this place there's always something to do."