After an absence of 15 years, one of Suffolk’s most popular annual events is set to make a comeback next year – and planning is well under way.

East Anglian Daily Times: Not quite 101 of them but these Dalmatians took part in the Bury Carnival procession in 1982 Picture: ARCHANTNot quite 101 of them but these Dalmatians took part in the Bury Carnival procession in 1982 Picture: ARCHANT

Bury St Edmunds Carnival was discontinued in 2006 after being a firm fixture in the town’s calendar for more than 35 years.

Our gallery here shows pictures from the event – which always included a colourful procession of floats and a celebration of games and activities – stretching back to 1970.

It had been hoped to stage the carnival this year but it fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic and now it has been announced that it will return on June 12 and 13 in 2021 and will feature a parade, and stalls, a small selection of fairground rides for children, music and acts in the Abbey Gardens – and organisers are already lining up those who will take part in the day’s programme.

What are your memories of Bury Carnival? Did you ever ride on a float in the procession? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk or write to Judy Rimmer, Newsroom, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1RS.

East Anglian Daily Times: Flashback to 2006 and majorettes taking part in the Bury Carnival parade. Do you recognise anyone? Picture: ANDY ABBOTTFlashback to 2006 and majorettes taking part in the Bury Carnival parade. Do you recognise anyone? Picture: ANDY ABBOTT

To order copies of photos, visit archantsuffolk.newsprints.co.uk, or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fun-time at Bury St Edmunds Carnival in 1981 Picture: ARCHANTFun-time at Bury St Edmunds Carnival in 1981 Picture: ARCHANT

East Anglian Daily Times: A Red Indians themed float in the the 1981 Bury Carnival Picture: ARCHANTA Red Indians themed float in the the 1981 Bury Carnival Picture: ARCHANT

East Anglian Daily Times: Brave girls from Bury St Edmunds Post Office defied the chilly weather and wore their scanty costumes for their 'Harem' float at the town's carnival in 1970 Picture: ARCHANT ARCHIVEBrave girls from Bury St Edmunds Post Office defied the chilly weather and wore their scanty costumes for their 'Harem' float at the town's carnival in 1970 Picture: ARCHANT ARCHIVE

East Anglian Daily Times: Children on the parade, dressed as Disney dwarves at Bury Carnival in 1993 Picture: ARCHANTChildren on the parade, dressed as Disney dwarves at Bury Carnival in 1993 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Keeping cool at the Bury St Edmunds carnival, It's A Knockout competition at the town's Rugby Club in 1989. Picture Keith Mindham.Keeping cool at the Bury St Edmunds carnival, It's A Knockout competition at the town's Rugby Club in 1989. Picture Keith Mindham. (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Activities at Bury St Edmunds Carnival 1984 Picture: ARCHANTActivities at Bury St Edmunds Carnival 1984 Picture: ARCHANT (Image: Archant)