Snap heads up colourful procession through the streets of Norwich

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev Jane Hedges, reacts as Snap the Dragon accidentally nips her finger, as the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year arrives at the cathedral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Based on historic pageantry, the procession saw dignitaries in traditional gowns, robes and regalia make their way from the steps of Norwich's City Hall to a service at Norwich Cathedral.

The Lord Mayor, Green councillor Martin Schmierer and Sheriff Ros Brown were among those who passed through the streets, led by the Norwich Whifflers and Snap.

The Dean of Norwich, the Very Rev Jane Hedges, chats to Snap the Dragon as the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year arrives at the cathedral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

They went along London Street, Bank Plain, Queen Street before going into Norwich Cathedral via the Ethelbert Gate, for a service led by the Dean of Norwich, the Very Reverend Jane Hedges.

This year's civic charity is The Feed, which teaches catering skills to get people who have faced homeless into employment. The service included a collection for the organisation.

Snap the Dragon snaps at some of the choir boys in the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Towncrier, Bob Lloyd, leading the procession through the Erpingham Gate to the Cathedral to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Towncrier, Bob Lloyd, leading the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Lord Mayor of Norwich, Martin Schmierer, and Sheriff, Ros Brown, in the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Snap the Dragon (Christopher Page) in the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Snap the Dragon and the Whifflers in the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Lord Mayor of Norwich, Martin Schmierer, and Sheriff, Ros Brown, in the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Emma Darkintaite, six, meets Snap the Dragon before the procession to mark the start of Norwich's civic year. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)