Blessed with dry weather, the annual event saw the town centre packed with thousands of visitors.

Crowd control officials estimate there were up to 15,000 in the town at any one time, and claim the total number of visitors could have been more than 25,000.

The five-hour event saw 45 performances spread through the town centre in eight locations including The Square, St Mary's Place, the Memorial Gardens and outside event sponsors Joules' shop in High Street.

Last year's road closure was extended and meant that the High Street also hosted a variety of performances including a band of giant ants and a musical nun who moved throughout the centre.

Other popular acts included Maynard Flip-Flap's egg-catching antics and an all-women hip hop dance act that made a big impression on The Square.

Hazel Cook, chairman of the Arts Fresco committee, said: "It was wonderful to see so many people laughing and smiling.

"Arts Fresco is one day where people can forget about their worries and join in the fun and admire the skill of the acts."

Following research at last year's event, held on a Saturday, she said the organisers had been convinced the switch to a Sunday would work.

"Arts Fresco 2009 had a lot going on. Not only did the switch to Sunday actually see an increase in numbers, but we had more acts than before – from the very silly to the moving."

The event is now a major visitor event for the town with people travelling from across England to visit Harborough for its annual free street arts festival.

It is only possible through grants and sponsorship, including from Joules, a major award from the Arts Council as well as support from Harborough District Council and Leicestershire County Council.