Thousands flock to Oulton Broad to enjoy the Lowestoft Lions charity gala day

Glorious weather and great fun for all the family attracted thousands of people to a popular annual Gala Day.

Exciting stunt shows, live music, spectacular fireworks and all the thrills and spills of the Maiden in Distress raft race were enjoyed by large crowds at Oulton Broad.

With a packed programme of more than ten hours of entertainment, the annual Lowestoft Lions Charity Gala day at Nicholas Everitt Park was hailed a success. The 25th anniversary gala showcased events aplenty in the main arena, on stage, in the park and on the water.

There were plenty of gasps from the crowds as two different stunt shows featured tricks on vehicles as Jez Avery entertained, while the Mark Stannage International stunt show included high falls and a performer setting himself on fire and running around the arena ablaze.

With cute and cuddly canine antics from the popular Waggy Tails Dog Agility Display Team, other arena performers included the Wuffa Saxon and Viking Dark Age Re-enactment Society and the Mandarin Cycles BMX display team.

On the water, the annual Maiden in Distress competition saw crews paddling frantically in their hand built 'boats' as they struggled to stay afloat on the broad and 'rescue' a stranded damsel, with some capsizes along the way.

Some exciting powerboat racing followed as Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club members showcased their skills on the broad.

Live music echoed out throughout the day as the Lowestoft Signing Choir, singing star Jazmine Banks and the 'Going Dutch' duo together with the Oulton Broads harmony group and Bellatonic acapella singers entertained.

A children's area proved popular as games were enjoyed with the K-Syl-R Disco, Andy the Clown and Professor Jingles Punch and Judy show.

A funfair and a wide range of stalls and games added to the enjoyment, while the very popular Buster James Band and their support group 'Jacque d'Ladde' got the park rocking into the evening as big crowds turned out.

A spectacular firework display lit up the sky as an explosive and colourful pyrotechnic spectacle proved to be a fitting way to bring the curtain down on this year's event.

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For 25 years the Lowestoft Lions have been organising this annual event, the proceeds from which helps fund the organisation's charity account, which helps the needy locally.

And delighted with how the 25th anniversary gala had gone, event organiser for the Lowestoft Lions, Trevor Waters, said: 'It was probably the sunniest morning we have had in many years and late in the morning crowds of people started coming in the gates.

'A lot of people stayed in the park late into the night as they waited to watch the fireworks, which was nice. And even when they finished, there were good crowds to see the Buster James Band as the event finished just after 10pm.

'It was probably one of the best years we have had weather-wise and I spoke with some of the stallholders, who said they had one of their best years. 'All in all it was certainly a great success, and all the efforts put into it makes it all worthwhile.'