NEARLY 15,000 visitors flooded through the gates of a market town's annual carnival which took place over the weekend.Young and old flocked to the recreation ground in Stowmarket for three days of fun packed activities and a variety of exhibitions and displays.

NEARLY 15,000 visitors flooded through the gates of a market town's annual carnival which took place over the weekend.

Young and old flocked to the recreation ground in Stowmarket for three days of fun packed activities and a variety of exhibitions and displays.

The event, which kicked-off on Friday with a circus, came to life on Saturday with the carnival procession, which started at the PPG car park near the Cedars Hotel and wound its way through Combs Ford, Ipswich Road, Ipswich Street, Finborough Road.

The fun continued at the recreation ground with an It's a Knockout style event, football, vintage bikes, an exhibit by the Mini Club, a birds of prey display and a battle of the bands competition.

The event finished in the evening with a church service and a last night of the proms spectacular, performed by the Stowmarket Concert Band.

Amanda Clarke, carnival committee secretary, said: “It's been really good. We haven't held the three day event for very long and it's been fantastic.

“When everyone enjoys themselves like they have been it makes it all worthwhile. You look up and you see all the families and the children smiling and laughing and you know that you have done a good job.”