The Suffolk Day celebrations have kicked off in style - with a special reading of the day’s proclamation by Felixstowe’s mayor.
Hundreds descended on seaside town's promenade this morning to celebrate the big day as town officially launched the Suffolk Day festivities.
Felixstowe Mayor Nick Barber proudly read aloud the Suffolk Day proclamation to the Suffolk flag waving crowd.
He said: "On behalf of the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayors of Suffolk's County Towns and all our ceremonial leaders, Suffolk Day is
proclaimed as a celebration of all the good things in our beautiful county.
"On Friday 21st June 2019, and throughout the whole weekend for that matter, you are instructed to enjoy all that your county has to offer."
"We have historic towns, villages, the incredible coast and so much unspoilt countryside.
"We have fantastic local food, much art and culture, and innovative businesses to take us forward.
"We have heritage, charities, and sports including the finest football club in the region.
"We are all proud of our county and Suffolk Day is a moment to thank those who make it a wonderful place to live, work
and learn.
"On this day, people of all ages must get involved in underlining the past, present and future.
"This proclamation is to be shared by our many community groups and stakeholders across the county.
"So, let us shout about our love for Suffolk.
Ladies and gentlemen, three cheers for Suffolk … Hip Hip
Hurrah, Hip Hip Hurrah, Hip Hip Hurrah."
This year's Suffolk Day is extra special. As it falls on a Friday for the first time, and coincides with this year's Orwell Challenge weekend, it has been extended to three days - the Big Weekender.
There are a host of activities and events popping up across the county today and over the weekend.
Youngsters at St Joseph's College in Ipswich got the chance to meet ten-year-old Suffolk Punch foal Colony Vee.
Pupils, from nursery to sixth form, parents and staff welcomed her to the school yesterday afternoon from her home at the Suffolk Punch Trust in Hollesley.
Headteacher Vanessa Wood said: "All the girls and boys - and adults too - were captivated by her beauty and gentleness,
"It was a wonderful site to see a representative of this magnificent and critically endangered breed looking very much at home in our award-winning grounds."
Meanwhile, children at St Matthew's Primary School in Ipswich celebrated the day by creating a 'living map' of Suffolk.
Youngsters stood on a giant outline of the county sketched on the school's playground before singing the Suffolk Day song.
The children also held up pictures of some of the county's best known landmarks and beauty spots.
We've compiled a list of some of the Big Weekender highlights.
Are you celebrating Suffolk Day today? Send your pictures to sam.dawes@archant.co.uk
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