VIDEO & GALLERY Exotic belly dancers, baton twirling majorettes, songs from Hairspray the musical, country and western singers, protesting punk rockers and the totally absurd attracted the crowds to this year's Felixstowe carnival.
James Marston
EXOTIC belly dancers, baton twirling majorettes, songs from Hairspray the musical, country and western singers, protesting punk rockers and the totally absurd attracted the crowds to this year's Felixstowe carnival.
The umbrellas may have been out in force but so were the cheers as thousands enjoyed the spectacle of colour and noise as the hour-long procession made its way through the seaside town.
Organisations, businesses, clubs and societies made up the majority of floats and displays that made the journey from Colneis Road to the seafront.
For former carnival princess Jeanette Jennings the event is a family tradition.
Mrs Jennings, of Grande Road, Felixstowe, said: “I've brought along my children and my daughter Brooke is in the procession.
“Everyone comes out for Felixstowe carnival. It's a great day for the community.”
Andrea Pettit, 29, of Sudbourne Road, Felixstowe, summed up the atmosphere.
She said: “I've been coming to the carnival since I was a child. I love it. We come very year and stand in the same spot. It brings the whole town together.”
Pop music and whistles provided the background to the colourful procession which included Level 2, Lacey's Fitness, Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club, Tailored Cutz, Phoenix Martial Arts, Green Cleen, and Park Holidays to name but a few.
For 84-year-old Kathleen Sayer, of High Road, Walton, the event is one she rarely misses.
She said: “We like to see the processions and it's always very good.”
Josephine Sheppard, 79, of Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe, said: “My daughter is in the Silver Star float. The carnival is a fun day and people turn up whatever the weather.”
For shop owner Will Crisp of clothing shop OMG in Hamilton Road, the carnival brings in customers.
He said: “It's a brilliant day to make sales and the carnival is a welcome event in the Felixstowe calendar. It's an institution.”
The carnival weekend continued with a funfair and concerts culminating in a firework display in the town's Langer Park.
Which was your favourite float? Did you enjoy the carnival weekend? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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