This year’s Woodbridge Carnival was particularly special for several reasons.

The recently rejuvenated event coincided with the 500th anniversary of the birth of town benefactor Thomas Seckford.

After snaking through the town centre, the carnival procession completed its journey at new venue, The Abbey school.

Between five and six thousand people turned out for the increasingly popular event, which was relaunched in 2013 – 30 years after it was put on hiatus due to declining interest.

Hana Ballard, from organisers, Choose Woodbridge, said: “It was a great display of what Woodbridge has to offer. We’d like to say a massive thank you to all who made it possible.

“People made such an effort with the floats. The tug-of-war was really popular and the kids loved the pie eating contest sponsored by the greengrocers.

“The Abbey was a great setting and the Seckford Foundation was very supportive

“Music from Fete Accomplis, Peter Hepworth, Charlie Law and Rhiannon Mair, organised by the Blue Bus Tour, was fantastic.

“The Woodbridge Riverside Trust brought along the Saxon ship replica, Sae Wylfing, and displays included the 432 Woodbridge Squadron air cadets.”

Choose Woodbridge worked with Haart Estate Agents for a second year to support local causes with a carnival queen contest.

Tide Mill mascot Millie the Mouse won the £500 donation for the historic riverside site and was handed her prize by 2014 queen, Mandy Hearle.

The best dressed float was judged by mayor Josh Sayles and ‘Thomas Seckford’ (aka councillor Geoff Holdcroft), who crowned Melton Day Nursery winners.

The event also coincided with Independents Day, designed to encourage support for the local businesses that exemplify Woodbridge’s charm.

Overseen by Rotary Club volunteers, this year’s carnival culminated in a display by Britannia Fireworks, with ‘Seckford 500’ written in fire for the grand finale.