Norfolk and Norwich Festival director William Galinsky said they would be trying to attract even more high profile performers to Norwich for next year's festival as organisers reflected on this year's success.

More people than ever got involved in various school and community events - box office sales were up 15pc and organisers have had positive feedback from many this year.

Of 1,050 people who took a survey, 94pc said they liked or loved the 2011 festival and 95pc said they were likely to attend next year's event.

One respondent wrote: 'The festival is fantastic and creates an amazing atmosphere in Norwich. The diversity of events, cultures, experiences, things to do, free stuff experienced within the festival is wonderful.'

'I love being in Norwich during the festival. It shows Norwich at its best.'

More than 100 festival volunteers helped out and more than 3,000 children and young people were able to enjoy the festival, the vast majority for the first time through the schools programme and an estimated 40,000 people turned out to the May Daze weekend.

Much of this year's programme was put together by former director Jonathan Holloway, but it will be Mr Galinsky who will be behind next year's programme.

He said: 'Planning is already well under way for next year and we'll be announcing details of a number of headline shows and projects before Christmas.

'The festival's reputation as one of the best in the UK is now firmly established and we'll be working hard to bring even more high profile performers and performances to Norwich and Norfolk for audiences across the county to enjoy.'

He added that they also hoped to attract more people from all over the UK and overseas to enjoy both the festival, and the fantastic city and county.'

The Spiegeltent and Norwich Theatre Royal saw record-breaking box office figures. The Spiegeltent was only at the festival for one week, however.

Performers came from South and North America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia.

It was also a record-breaking year for premieres and commissions.

Among the premieres were The Wolves performed by Deabru Beltzak and As The World Tipped by Wired Aerial Theatre.

The shows are now on tour around Europe

Festival organisers also said they were delighted with the free events which all attracted thousands including the Saxophone Massive at Millennium Plain, outside The Forum, the Festival Finale at Eaton Park and The Iron Man.

Their county shows at Cromer, Great Yarmouth and Horning also proved popular.

• Next year's festival will run from May 11 to 26.

What would you like to see featured in next year's festival? Write to Evening News letters at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk

Are you arranging an arts event? Call reporter Annabelle Dickson on 01603 772426 or email annabelle.dickson@archant.co.uk