Published:
August 15, 2022, 6:30 p.m
Crowds turned out in force today to enjoy a Suffolk seaside town’s carnival parade, despite an evening firework display being canceled due to dry conditions.
The Aldeburgh Carnival was held for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic and the parade featured 12 floats from organizations in the town and surrounding area, including Easton Farm Park and Aldeburgh Primary School.
The carnival drew crowds
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
Starting at the Moot Hall, the procession made its way down the High Street to the accompaniment of music from bands and dance acts, including the Suffolk School of Samba.
The carnival featured a galaxy of stars, including Darth Vader
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
The Carnival Queen was crowned at the Moot Hall on the final day of a three-day extravaganza that began with a Music Day on Saturday.
Acts included David Gillingwater Bagpipes and Zookie Rock’n’Roll and played at a variety of venues including Baptist Chapel, Cross Keys pub and The Lifeboat Shed.
There was a procession on foot to accompany the floats
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
There was also a silent auction and candy hunt for kids on the beach.
On Sunday, a sports day was held with a 10km run through Aldeburgh village, along with an egg and spoon race, children’s races and a Punch and Judy event.
Performers of all ages participated in the parade
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
There was also kite flying on the beach and a United Songs of Praise event on the greens north of the Moot Hall.
Carnival press officer Angela Weston described the crowd as “massive” and said there was also a walking procession along with the floats.
Floats included Easton Farm Park and Aldeburgh Primary School
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
She said the silent auction had raised four times the amount it usually raises.
Charlotte and Alice Wright at Aldeburgh Carnival.
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
The only downside was that the fireworks display was canceled on the advice of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service due to the extremely dry weather the area has been experiencing and the risk of wildfires.
A large crowd watched as the parade passed along the High Street
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
She added: “It’s been really positive, based on what I’ve seen and reported to me. We’ve lost two carnivals because of COVID and I think the message is that it’s been fantastic and it’s been a success.”
Flowers also gave power to the carnival
– Credit: Sarah Lucy Brown
