A Suffolk carnival’s fourth outing since returning to town after more than 20 years’ absence has been deemed a ‘brilliant’ success by organisers.
The revitalised Sudbury Carnival welcomed floats, carnival queens and princesses from surrounding towns and further afield on Sunday.
The event was resurrected in 2014, after more than two decades, by a group of volunteers keen to see colourful parades return to Sudbury’s streets.
This year saw carnival goers don fancy dress in the theme of ‘music through the ages’ – with the parade starting from the railway station car park, before winding around the town and finishing at Belle Vue Park, where an afternoon of entertainment included live music from Ben Smith, Robbie Gladwell and Route 66, plus falconry displays, donkey rides and children’s entertainment.
Prizes were awarded for the most attractive floats, and competition was encouraged between the carnival queens’ courts – three of which made the long journey to Sudbury from Kent.
Jack Owen, a member of the organising committee, said: “Everything went brilliantly well.
“Each year, we’ve been trying to improve on the previous carnival, and I think we’ve managed to do it again.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we had a good turnout at Belle Vue Park.
“I think everyone in the town is delighted to have the carnival back regularly.”
Organisers of this year’s carnival were given a £5,000 boost by Suffolk Community Foundation.
Mr Owen praised the hard work of the carnival committee – which has met fortnightly to ensure the event was a success – including the excellent job done by daughter, Alison, who took over from him as chairman last year.
The carnival also paid tribute to well known local singer, musician and a member of the carnival’s organising committee, Fred Lay, who died on August 6.
Mr Owen said: “He would have loved to have seen it – and we would have loved for him to have been here.
“We dedicated this year’s carnival to him and included some words in the programme.
“Fred made a great contribution during the time he was involved. He also sang at musical nights to raise money for the carnival.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here