VILLAGERS lined the streets for what might prove to be the last Trimley Carnival parade and, if so, it was a sad farewell to the popular event.One of the shortest processions for many years linked the two communities in a colourful celebration, but the cavalcade was over all too quickly.

VILLAGERS lined the streets for what might prove to be the last Trimley Carnival parade and, if so, it was a sad farewell to the popular event.

One of the shortest processions for many years linked the two communities in a colourful celebration, but the cavalcade was over all too quickly.

Those who took part in it had worked their socks off – and the two floats were stunning, the fancy dress characters vibrant and outstanding, the carnival queens radiant, and the majorettes were enthusiastic and entertaining.

But the lack of entries showed why the chairman David Cawdron and his small but dedicated committee are going to stand down this autumn, which will mean the carnival will die unless new people come forward to save it.

Mr Cawdron has hit out at the apathy towards the event and to carnivals in general, which is why so many communities have lost their events.

Trimley's has survived more than 30 years but putting on a carnival takes a year of planning, fundraising and booking entertainment, as well as staging the day.

Carnival queen Clare Dawson, 19, of Brickmakers Court, Trimley St Martin, and her princesses Alex Rowe, 11, a pupil at Trimley St Martin primary, and Nikki Middleton, 11, of Trimley St Mary primary, led the parade, waving enthusiastically to the crowds lining the route.

With its theme the World of Dancing, the procession made its way down Faulkeners Way and into High Road, moving from St Mary to St Martin.

There was lively music from the country-and-western themed Red Cross float featuring the Amber Lights band, and the First Stop Pre-school had put a lot of work into their brilliant wild west themed float.

Majorettes included the three-times national champions Ipswich Imperials, the Hadleigh Comets, Felixstowe Poloz, and the Technotronics, while visiting queens from Felixstowe and Stowmarket provided Royal glamour.

The Blue Cross float tuned into the theme with a flamenco style, and other entries include the Felixstowe and District Riding Tracks Association, Belchamp Morris Men, and the SGR FM radio station.

Events on the Trimley Sports and Social Club field attracted large crowds and included displays from Hadleigh Comets, morris men, rides on a traction engine, a funfair, games and stalls, and refreshments.

There was a chance to meet the Felixstowe Coast Patrol and Rescue Service volunteers and Felixstowe Coastguard.

Carnival chairman David Cawdron said: "The weather has been fabulous and we have been delighted to see so many people come out and support us on the field, an excellent attendance.

"I just hope now that someone comes forward to take it over. People don't want this carnival to be lost, but they have to be prepared to work to keep it."

Proceeds from the day will go to the Blue Cross Animal Welfare Centre, Trimley Scouts and Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol and Rescue Service.