Sir – It seems rather belated now, but as the Cowley Road traders are keeping the story alive, I wish to record the fact that the children and staff from the 12 schools that took part in the carnival procession this year loved it in South Park: we had space to meet and prepare in Oxford Brookes Centre for Sport; there was space and a fantastic view of Oxford to line up and then perform in the procession, as we wove our way dramatically down the hill; we could see each other and the rest of the procession; and we could be seen by all as we took our bow on the stage, which made us feel so proud.

That was a fitting culmination to the nine weeks after school preparation, working with professional artists and dancers which we had enjoyed. It was all a different but much safer and happier experience than the crowded Cowley Road.

And for families, exploring after the procession was much more satisfactory — far easier to find the entertainment which suited us, whereas the Cowley Road last year had become very noisy and quite unpleasant in places — not what we think of as a vibrant family event.

Of course the weather helped! We hope that deciding where the event should be held in 2010 does not become a political matter. Schools will want to be part of it, wherever it is held, but it is clear where we would prefer to be.

Lesley Williams, Oxford Extra Arts Co-ordinator