A seaside town in Suffolk was enlivened by the infectious spirt of Mardis Gras this afternoon as thousands lined the streets to watch a colourful procession of costumed entertainers dance to the joyous rhythms of a South American carnival.

The 72nd Aldeburgh Carnival reached its cacophonous climax as hundreds of children, local organisations and businesses joined with samba dancers and a military band for a parade around the town.

Dozens of decorated floats, a cavalcade of mobility scooters and individuals in fancy dress were all praised by organisers for engaging with the Mardis Gras theme as they set off from the Moot Hall amid glorious sunshine shortly after 3pm.

“Everyone entered into the spirt of it very well,” said Keith Batt, publicity officer for the Aldeburgh Carnival Committee.

“There were individuals in their fancy dress, jiggling about and literally dancing in the street, the weather behaved itself extraordinarily well, the bands have been superb - it’s all gone particularly well.”

Today’s parade followed a weekend of carnival fun, with games, activities and entertainment, which in total is expected to have brought around 10,000 visitors to the town.

Mr Batt said the carnival was intended to offer high quality entertainment for all ages while raising funds for charity and supporting the town’s traders.

Highlights this year were said to include the Royal Artillery Band and the Suffolk School of Samba, which performed throughout the parade and in an evening show after its completion; the lifeboat launch, which was accompanied by a fly-over from the RAF Sea King from Wattisham; and the donkey rides.

“We try to keep it up to date and topical but we like a bit of old fashion family fun,” said Mr Batt.

After the evening’s musical performances, the procession will reconvene as children carrying dozens of Chinese lanterns make their way to the beach and a spectacular fireworks show to finish with a bang.