Aldeburgh Carnival parade starts with royal reception of former carnival queens

The annual Aldeburgh Carnival parade which attracted a huge crowd. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Former queens from the carnival’s 75-year history were invited along to join the procession.

Children wave to the crowds. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Among them, June Langley, carnival queen in 1952, was joined by her daughter, Julie Freeman, who took the crown in 1980.

Dancers entertain the crowds during the Aldeburgh Carnival parade. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The 84-year old, who still lives in Aldeburgh, said she had “wonderful” memories of a day she hoped would last forever 65 years ago.

The annual Aldeburgh Carnival parade. Thousands of people have descended on Aldeburgh. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Her daughter, 56, added: “It was really weird standing on the steps of the hall again.

The 2017 Aldeburgh Carnival parade. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“It feels like only yesterday I was there as carnival queen.”

A more unusual float during Aldeburgh Carnival. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Lisa Briggs, 51, was Lisa Warner when she held the crown in 1984. She was also among a gathering of former queens at the 50th anniversary carnival, and was pleased to find the event’s famous atmosphere and traditions unchanged.

Youngsters wore fancy dress as part of the parade. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Carnival queen from 1983, Elizabeth Ward, is the great-granddaughter of the mayor who added the event to the annual regatta in 1927.

The carnival captured the imagination and creativity of all ages. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Aldeburgh town councillor, Marianne Fellowes was born in the town, where her father ran the Black Horse pub.

The parade was viewed from a variety of vantage points. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Mrs Fellowes was 19 and went by her maiden name, Keable, when chosen to be carnival queen in 1979.

The 2017 carnival court wave to the crowds. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“It’s an amazing occasion,” said the 57-year-old. “When I drive along Church Hill and see the flags up before the carnival, I still get that rush of feeling I had when I was queen.”

Thousands of people lined the streets for this year's carnival procession. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The third and final day of the carnival also included the coronation of 2017 queen, Shannon Strowger, who was joined by her attendants, Eve Atkins, Jessica Waters and Evie Brinded.

Traditional music provided a backdrop for the procession. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Shannon’s mother was carnival queen in 1981, while her father was carnival king – or ‘Mr Neptune’ – in 2007.

Sophie Doubleday, the 2016 Aldeburgh Carnival queen, with carnival queen of 1952, June Langley. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Along the beach, there was a demonstration by the RNLI and HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, and a first for the carnival as the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team descending 12,000ft to the beach to deliver the customary golden key to the mayor, Jocelyn Bond, who said: “It was marvellous to see them dropping from the sky.

“I was delighted to meet the first in the line of carnival queens and to present the golden key to this year’s queen.”