EXCITEMENT, music and colour swept through the streets of Felixstowe for the annual carnival parade.

Tom Potter

EXCITEMENT, music and colour swept through the streets of Felixstowe for the annual carnival parade.

Despite lack of sponsorship, leading to the cancellation of usual events in the park such as the funfair, it was business as usual for the organisers of the street party.

This year's theme of sport was implemented to full effect by everyone involved, including the 'Mystic Belly Dancers,' who were judged the most popular float of the parade.

Olympic veteran Stan Cox was special guest and a rare bout of summer sunshine topped off another winning carnival.

Felixstowe's carnival committee was r forced to cancel the customary weekend of entertainment in the park after the Port of Felixstowe pulled its sponsorship, but those involved in the procession more than made up for it with their flamboyant float designs.

The carnival costs around �27,000 to put on and any money raised is donated by the committee to worthy groups and organisations in Felixstowe.

This year funding fell short of the desired amount after The Port of Felixstowe said it could no longer sponsor the event because of redundancies and pay cuts but it is hoped the rest of the entertainment will return in 2010.

Committee secretary Sandie Doran said: “Everything went really well this year and the sun was shining which always makes for a better experience.

“The recession has hit everyone and we understand that if people are losing their jobs it doesn't look good to be spending more money.

“All things going well we'll have the park back next year.”

Plans are already afoot for next year's carnival and the carnival committee is inviting suggestions for themes on its website www.felixstowecarnival.org.