‘Fantastic’ festival parade may have had biggest turn out ever

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Downham Market Festival began with a carnival parade and arena events taking place on the Howdale on Bank Holiday Monday.

This year's theme is 'around the world' with all parts of the entertainment taking an element of it on board.

Downham Market's mayor, David Sharman, rode in the first car which kicked off the parade and described the whole day as fantastic.

He said: 'It was marvellous. We can never be sure but it seemed to be one of the biggest turn outs we have ever had.

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

'The group that put all this together really do deserve a round of applause.

'There also seemed to be a lot more young people around, and for Downham that's saying something - it was fantastic to see the children waving from the car.'

Festivities run right the way through half term with a series of exhibitions, parades, music events and even a quiz night.

The event comes to a close on Sunday with a flag lowering ceremony at the town hall after a falconry display and dog show.

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

Members of the parade getting into the festival spirit. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)