A town’s free-to-attend carnival returned for its annual festivities this weekend.
Stowmarket Canrnival has a theme of ‘decades’ this year.
The fun kicked off on Friday with a free concert from Stowmarket Concert Band at the Recreation Ground.
Crowds descended on Stowmarket’s Recreation Ground for Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyOne of the lorry floats at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyStocks Fun Fair’s dodgems at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyProcession participants at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyLorries in the procession at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG Photography
The procession followed yesterday, which included nine lorry floats as well as tractor unit entries.
The convoy made its way from Needham Road at around 12.30pm, passing through Ipswich Street before heading towards the Rec.
Simon Burton, organiser and chairperson of Stowmarket Carnival, said: “We had an absolutelty brilliant day yesterday – one of the busiest in living memory.
Crowds descended on Stowmarket’s Recreation Ground for Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyProcession participants at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyStocks Fun Fair is at Stowmarket Carnival all weekend. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyFun fair activities at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyFace painting at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG Photography
“Everyone had a really good time, it was a great day from start to the end.
“Everyone was really happy which is what we’re about, lots of smiling faces and families enjoying themselves.
“We’re just setting up the arenas for today now so there’s more of the same in store at the Recreation Ground.
Procession participants at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyProcession participants enjoying the festivities at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyOne of the floats at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyA steam engine at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyA steam engine at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG Photography
“We’ve got a beautiful blue sky as well so we’re looking forward to another day, starting at 10am.”
Stocks Fun Fair was at the Rec for the entire weekend, including some very exciting new dodgems, as well as a vehicle show today.
Various bands and musicians also played at the Rec, alongside a plethora of food and drink stalls.
Participants of Stowmarket Carnival in fancy dress for the procession. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyA Nissan Figaro at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyCrowds gathering for Stowmarket Carnival’s procession. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyFancy dress at Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG PhotographyLarge crowds outside The Recreation Ground for Stowmarket Carnival. Picture: Richard Marsham/RMG Photography
The celebrations finished with a church service at 4.30pm on Sunday, organised by the King’s Church.
