IT WAS a day when young and old came together in glorious sunshine to showcase the very best of their community.

About 2,000 people turned out for the Bacton Fair and Flower Show on Saturday for a traditional celebration of village life.

Organisers said the annual event, which has been running for about 100 years, was an unprecedented success.

The celebration was held in meadows adjacent to Bacton Manor and featured a variety of activities including a fun fair and a number of children’s races.

Stowmarket Flower Club provided the exhibits for the flower show while there were also stands from the Stowmarket branch of the Suffolk Beekeepers’ Association and other local organisations.

Philip Jeffries, one of the organisers of the day, said: “The whole aim is to get the community to come together and it works very well.

“What was so lovely was the amount of children who came along, it was unbelievable.

“We just wanted people to come together and enjoy themselves and renew acquaintances. The sun shone on us all day and everyone had a marvellous time.

“It has been going for nearly 100 years we think and we like to keep it as traditional as possible. In fact, someone said to me it was like stepping back 50 or 60 years.

“Its got that special feel about it. We certainly hope for many more.”

Mr Jeffries paid tribute to everyone who turned out to show their support along with everyone who helped with the setting up and tidying away.

Mr Jeffries added that a special “thank you” must also go to the Stowmarket Lions who were kind enough to help with car parking and stewarding duties.