An annual event held in Christchurch Park, Ipswich, was the Co-op fete.

Thousands attended for boxing matches, athletics, high-wire acts, political speeches and to ride on the fun fair, with the day always ending with a firework display.

The first Suffolk Co-operative Labour Fete was held in Chantry Park in 1934. It replaced a similar event held in Alexandra Park that the society had run since 1923. When the partnership with the Labour Party ended in 1968 the Ipswich Society held a Centenary Fete. The last Co-op fete was in 1980.

Another event which ended in Christchurch Park with a fun fair for several years was the Ipswich Carnival procession.

This week I have included photographs of the Co-op fete and a photograph from reader Dave Gilbert of a float from the carnival.

What memories do you have of these events?

Write to David Kindred, Days Gone By, Ipswich Star/EADT, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email info@kindred-spirit.co.uk