Crowds line streets for St Winnold’s Fair parade at Downham Market

The annual St Winnold's parade makes its way through the streets of Downham Market. Pictured at the front are (L) Kate Farr and Elise Howard with Suffolk Punch, Bernard. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Crowds lined the chilly streets as the procession of dignitaries set off from the town council offices up Bridge Street for the Town Hall.

St Winnold's Fair was for centuries the biggest horse fair in the Fens. Thousands would flock to Downham Market to buy and sell horses. At its height, more than 10,000 animals were sold.

Roy Williamson all smiles during the annual St Winnold's parade in Downham Market. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

But the event inevitably fell by the wayside, as tractors consigned horsepower to the history books.

Ten years ago, a parade was staged in memory and to celebrate the continued success of the town's markets, which were granted to the town in 1046 by Edward The Confessor.

The annual St Winnold's Downham Market. Pictured is town Mayor Marion Ross. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The annual St Winnold's parade makes its way through the streets of Downham Market. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Local school children were in the town centre for the annual St Winnold's parade in Downham Market. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The annual St Winnold's parade makes its way through the streets of Downham Market. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The annual St Winnold's parade makes its way through the streets of Downham Market. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

The annual St Winnold's parade makes its way through the streets of Downham Market. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)