FELIXSTOWE: New carnival chief Nick Barber believes the resort’s premier event has the potential to get even bigger and better – and be at the heart of the community all year round.
As preparations are finalised for this weekend’s event, he says the carnival committee is already well ahead in its planning for next year and is looking to hold a series of events throughout the next 12 months.
Around 20,000 revellers are expected to visit to enjoy this weekend’s event.
Tomorrow at 3pm a parade of decorated floats and vehicles, majorettes and fancy dress characters will head through the town and along the seafront. Entertainment, a fun fair and live bands will also be in Langer Park tomorrow and Sunday. The theme is Trains, Planes and Automobiles, and TV presenter Becky Jago is opening the event.
“I am really pleased with how it is all shaping up as this is my first year as chairman, but I want it to get much bigger and better than this in future,” said Mr Barber, who wants the carnival to be a community celebration.
“Felixstowe deserves a really good carnival for the whole town and also to bring in as many visitors as we can.
“I want us to build partnerships with the community and businesses so we can achieve that together.
“It is our intention to run various events and also assist in others.
“We don’t want the carnival to be a one-off each year but something which is always part of the town all year round and benefits everyone.”
Mr Barber, a county councillor, thanked all the traders who had assisted financially with the event this year at such a difficult economic time.
The Evening Star is taking part in the weekend and its promotional unit will be part of the activities in Langer Park and the procession, and people will be able to buy an Evening Star with a goodie bag including the paper, water, kettle chips, and balloons.
In Monday’s Evening Star there will be a special picture spread and report on the weekend’s celebrations – capturing the magic moments from the carnival cavalcade.
? Give us your views on the carnival this year – write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk
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