Dozens of youngsters dressed as their favourite fairytale characters flocked to the streets of Stowmarket this weekend for the town’s annual carnival.

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Floats decorated in the style of Dreamworks film Shrek and classic tale Beauty and the Beast kicked off the event yesterday afternoon with a procession through Combs Ford and Ipswich Street.

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Now in its 56th year, organisers hope the 2017 carnival – which has so far benefitted from warm weather – will draw in record crowds.

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Chair Jayne Woods said: “It’s so busy at the moment - we’re rushed off our feet.

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“It’s going so well and I can’t wait to see how many people are actually here, there are just so many.”

Animal lovers have entered their pets into the Fun Dog Show and Carnival Pet Show, both of which take place over the weekend.

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Award categories for the Fun Dog Show include The Loveliest Lady, Most Fabulous Fella and Best in Show.

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Hamsters, ferrets and reptiles are among the animals entered into the Carnival Pet Show, which sees judges decide the Most Handsome Male, The Prettiest Female and Most Unusual Pet.

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Cambridge-based band Fiveska and Dale Bennett & the Incidentals took to the main stage for an evening of live music yesterday.

Suffolk-based The Skittlez are performing today.

Craft activities and games such as hook a duck, guess the bear’s name and book raffles are also being hosted by a number of stalls set up by Suffolk charities and shops.

Emergency services including Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are also at the carnival meeting members of the public.

• Send your Stowmarket Carnival photos to newsroom@archant.co.uk