The Suffolk Show ended with a thunderous finale, with even the weather putting on its own display to accompany performances by military personnel and the emergency services at a special pageant.

Suffolk soprano Christina Johnston closed proceedings with a rendition of the national anthem to a backdrop of heavy rain and thunder.

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It brought to an end a platinum jubilee pageant that had begun with paratroopers from the army’s Red Devils dropping into the Grand Ring to a raucous reception from thousands of spectators.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sailors march into the Grand RingSailors march into the Grand Ring (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

The leader of the parachute team arrived carrying a giant Union flag, while the team also trailed red smoke from their feet as they descended from their aircraft.

There were displays of emergency service personnel representing the police, ambulance and rescue services, followed by a parade of 200 military personnel.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Devils parachute team following their descent to the pageant to be greeted by Clare, Countess of EustonThe Red Devils parachute team following their descent to the pageant to be greeted by Clare, Countess of Euston (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Some 500 people took part in the pageant, which also featured the arrival of the Festival of Suffolk torch following a 550-mile trek across the county, accompanied by rickshaws.

World motocross champion Jake Nicholls carried the torch as Jake’s father Guy Nicholls’ company Tru-7 is sponsoring the festival, accompanied by rickshaws.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Devils trailed smoke from their feetThe Red Devils trailed smoke from their feet (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Ipswich schoolchildren also paraded into the arena carrying the flags of 54 Commonwealth countries after joining the torch on its journey across the county.

The Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lady Clare, Countess of Euston, also spoke and received the torch from Mr Nicholls.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Devils arriveThe Red Devils arrive (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

Organiser of the pageant, Colonel Anthony Fairbanks, who is also a deputy lieutenant of Suffolk, said: “It has been a wonderful privilege to put the pageant together and to work with so many wonderful people from across Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: Soldiers parade into the Grand RingSoldiers parade into the Grand Ring (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

"This is a truly unique event for a unique occasion and hopefully we have produced a fitting spectacle that truly honours and celebrates Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, something we will never see again in our lifetime and one not to be missed."

East Anglian Daily Times: There were military parades as part of the pageantThere were military parades as part of the pageant (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

See a video of the Suffolk Show here https://jwp.io/s/zIT8QKLl