THOUSANDS of people flocked to Aldeburgh yesterday as its annual carnival got into full swing.A colourful display of floats and costumed characters joined a long procession through the town as mayor Felicity Bromage looked on from the balcony of the town's ancient Moot Hall.

By Sarah Chambers

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Aldeburgh yesterday as its annual carnival got into full swing.

A colourful display of floats and costumed characters joined a long procession through the town as mayor Felicity Bromage looked on from the balcony of the town's ancient Moot Hall.

Good-humoured crowds lined the streets as an imaginative mix of artistry and topical comic creations filed past, accompanied by a broad mix of music – from the traditional sound of the Band of the Brigade of Gurkas to the earthy beat of the Samba Band.

Heading up the parade was carnival queen Tara Potter and her two attendants in a nautically-themed float.

She was crowned, in time-honoured tradition, on the Moot Hall balcony by the town mayor.

As with most Aldeburgh Carnival days, the parade took place in glorious sunshine.

Pubs and ice cream and drink sellers were doing a brisk trade, and a funfair at Moot Green was packed with people.

Many decided to dress up in colourful costumes, as they got into the relaxed carnival spirit.

"I think it's wonderful," said Mrs Bromage. "What impresses me is people have obviously worked very hard at making their costumes and come up with some quirky ideas."

Mrs Bromage, who had taken a trip out on the Aldeburgh lifeboat early in the day to look at the town from the sea, said it was a "perfect" day. The town looked wonderful, she added.

She praised the "dedicated" committee which put the day together.

Earlier in the year the carnival reached crisis point when organisers said a lack of new blood was threatening its future.

But the town answered the wake-up call, and new volunteers came forward at a packed public meeting.

The winners of the parade competitions were: The tiny tots' fancy dress for under six years contest was won by Lawrence and Frances Herbert with The Owl and the Pussycat; The May Botterill Cup for up to two pedestrians in fancy dress was won by Kit Day with the headless man; The R Smith Challenge Cup for decorated cars went to "the gaggle" with their Aladdin creation; The prize for up to two pedestrians in fancy dress with cycles, handcarts or prams went to Peter Barron with Michael shoeboxes; The prize for between three and seven pedestrians in fancy dress went to the Mallinsons and the Charringtons with Greek myths; The prize for between three and seven pedestrians in fancy dress with decorated cycles, handcarts or prams went to Barry Pilgrim and Joshua and Ivo Marienfield ; The decorated cars with trailers and small pickups prize went to the Garrett House Residential Home and STV for their Harry Potter float; The winner of the contest for the best fancy dress costume for a group of more than seven pedestrians went to Mr Pinson and co for the Pied Piper; winners of the fancy dress on wheels contest was Mrs Sunnaway and Mr Ellie with their circus theme; The Louisa Moore Cup for best tableau went to The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra by the Calfell Musical Academy; The Ball Cup for the overall winner went to "the gaggle" for their Aladdin theme.