Storybook characters invade Wymondham as carnival comes to town

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Forest school Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Stalls, a fun fair and labyrinth, kept families entertained, followed later in the day by Wymondham Goes Creative Activities and live music.

A children's storytime was be held in the library, with a special Gruffalo storytelling session.

The highlight of the day was the carnival parade through the town centre, with members of the public invited to dress up as their favourite fictional characters and join the procession, with prizes on offer for the best costumes.

A memorial football match was held in honour of local legend and 'king of Norfolk sport' Les King at Wymondham Town Football Club.

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Martin Scott with his children Jack and Anna Scott were at the Owlwood School tent taking part in the drop egg challenge.

Children had to see how they could cushion an egg without making it break – there was a prize for the winners.

Mr Scott said:'It's really nice to have something to do around the town.

'A lot of effort went into the parade – it was nice for families as events are often for older people.'

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Victoria and Elliot Woods Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Pensioner Jean Quantrill, 76, from Oakwood Drive in Wymondham was at the carnival with her friend Doreen Bird.

She said: 'We went to the Les King football match - I knew a few of the players and I really enjoyed it.

'We used to be very involved in the carnival when my children were growing up.

'But we are not so involved now – they are 50 and 46 years old.'

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Seven-year-old Peter Beasley was listening to the Gruffalo story in Wymondham library with his sister nine-year-old Olivia.

He was taken by surprise when a real life Gruffalo appeared as part of the book-themed day.

He said: 'I like the bit when the mouse lies about the Gruffalo and then he actually sees him.

'I was surprised when the Gruffalo came out of the door – I used to find him scary but not any more.'

Jo Walther and her partner Peter Woods and children Bel, Archie and Ziggy were enjoying visiting the fire crew and fire engine at Wymondham Carnival. Photo: Lucy Begbie (Image: Archant)

Seven-year-old Peter Beasley was listening to the Gruffalo story in Wymondham library with his sister nine-year-old Olivia at Wymondham Carnival. Photo: Lucy Begbie (Image: Archant)

Pensioner seventy-six-year old Jean Quantrill from Oakwood Drive in Wymondham was visiting Wymondham Carnival with her friend Doreen Bird. Photo: Lucy Begbie (Image: Archant)

Dad, Martin Scott with his children Jack and Anna Scott were at the Owlwood School tent taking part in the drop egg challenge at Wymondham Carnival. Photo: Lucy Begbie (Image: Archant)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Wymondham Carnival gets underway. Victoria and Elliot Woods Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)