Defiant organisers have hit back at critics who branded a Kent carnival the “worst ever”.

People described the parade in Ramsgate at the weekend as a “complete shambles”, with “horrendous” gaps between floats.

But Teresa Askew, who is chair of the GB Carnival Community Interest Company (CIC) which runs the 101-year-old event, says while they are disappointed by the backlash, they are not discouraged.

She also insists carnivals remain an important tradition and have the power to bring communities together.

She told KentOnline: “It’s not cheap to do and is run by volunteers.

“After two days of working it makes me a bit sad.”

Part of the criticism, which started on social media, was about gaps between floats.

But Ms Askew, 65, said: “The main route is quite difficult as there’s quite a big hill, so I gave some walking groups the option of an easier route through the high street.

“It makes it more accessible for people with disabilities and also musicians, who can't walk up a huge hill and play in the boiling heat.

“We also had to hold back some vehicles to allow others to get up safely.

“Now, people have been saying, ‘You sent half a carnival up the high street’ and we didn't.

“It’s disappointing, but it’s a storm in a teacup.”

The two days of festivities take place annually on the last weekend of July.

Hooden horses made an appearance this year after a long hiatus.

There was even a specially made beer called Ramsgate Carinv-ale, crafted by Gadds.

But the procession attracted criticism on Facebook, with Colette Cox writing: “I went to watch the carnival and my God - it was the worst one I have ever seen.

“It’s a real shame as so many turned out for it. What is going wrong here in Ramsgate?”

Others argued the carnival was bigger and better when they were children. Some recalled seeing acrobats, cowboys and even elephants parading down streets.

Gavin Williams said: “I remember it being a good hour long with cowboys firing guns with loud bangs, floats were trucks and lorries fully decorated. Bands playing, people walking down the road with handfuls of balloons, whistles, etc… was 10 out 10... this was barely 2 out of 10.”

One resident highlighted the traffic issues the event can lead to.

Steve Ball wrote: “It has been a bit of a running joke for the last couple of years that the traffic chaos near the bandstand is more entertaining than the carnival.

“This year was the worst I have seen in the 40-odd years I have been watching them. Barely a float, huge gaps, at times more normal traffic than carnival entries and just no fun, vibe or imagination.”

Some questioned whether carnivals in general should be consigned to the past.

Francesca Hischier said: “To be honest it’s kind of had its day now don’t you think? Boring now.”

But Ms Askew said: “I think they are really important.

“In fact, our CIC was commissioned to bring back a carnival in Leighton, London.

“So, we really understand the power of carnivals in bringing communities together.

“They are also a way to tighten social bonds and celebrate the place you live.

“Carnivals are very special because they are sort of generic in that they happen all over the country, but also specific to each area.”

Others on Facebook defended the event.

Genevieve Pepper wrote: “I’m glad our kids won’t be reading this having walked and danced and sang their little hearts out, made decorations and spent hours taking part!

“We won the best dancers trophy and it was so exciting.

“We had a great time. It was wonderful to see so many people out in the sunshine.

“It’s a bit demoralising to read all this as we nurse our blisters and sunburn, but maybe all the critics would think about doing a float or walking next year to represent something they feel passionate about?”

The event is free to attend and is funded by donations, which can be given via the CIC’s GoFundMe page.

Ms Askew, who has been participating in the carnival for five years, added: “Loads of positive things have happened this year.

“Actually, lots more people have come forward saying they want to help.

“It was a vibrant, busy event.

“I just hope the people who are sort of naysaying think about coming forward and doing something to support their town carnival.

“We are disappointed that this happened, but not discouraged.”