Thousands lined the streets of Bungay as a traditional Boxing Day Hunt returned to the town.

Eastern Daily Press: The annual Boxing Day hunt in Bungay by the Waveney Harriers where thousands of people lined the streets with a few peaceful anti hunt demonstrators. Picture: Andrew AtterwillThe annual Boxing Day hunt in Bungay by the Waveney Harriers where thousands of people lined the streets with a few peaceful anti hunt demonstrators. Picture: Andrew Atterwill (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

More than 3,000 people filled the town centre for the annual Waveney Harriers meet.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

About 40 riders gathered in Earsham Street and received a welcome from the crowd – who chatted with riders and enjoyed the army of Harriers milling around.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

However not everyone in the crowd was cheering the riders on. A small group of anti-hunt protesters from the Norfolk and Suffolk Hunt Saboteurs staged a peaceful protest.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

Master of the hunt Chris McDaniel said the tradition seems to grow each year.

Eastern Daily Press: Paul Williams and Nicola Ellis at the Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Paul Williams and Nicola Ellis at the Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

The 60-year-old said: 'I've hunted with the Harriers since I was seven; it's always been a big tradition.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

'I think it's a tradition people like to see. It's a bit of a spectacle after Christmas for the town and people like to show their support.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

'People like to come out and see the horses and hounds – it's the thing to do on Boxing Day.'

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

Mr McDaniel added: 'It always surprises me every year how many people come out– the atmosphere is amazing.'

Eastern Daily Press: the Norfolk and Suffolk Hunt Saboteurs at the Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.the Norfolk and Suffolk Hunt Saboteurs at the Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

One of the protesters Margaret Rose, said: 'After the parade when everyone sees the glitz and glamour the hunt goes on. We are trying to save the animals.'

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

She added: 'Some traditions just need to end.'

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

Many parents brought young children along to catch a glimpse of the parade.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

Nicola Ellis was in the crowd with her two-year-old daughter Ellie and said: 'My sister used to ride in the hunt so we always come down as a family.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

'I've come so she (Ellie) can see all the horses and dogs.'

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

Former town councillor Jane Paul was also one of the many enjoying the festive fun.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

She said: 'I had mixed feelings when they actually hunted things but now they aren't allowed to hunt anything.

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr.Waveney Harriers Boxing Day Hunt 2018, Bungay. Photo: James Carr. (Image: Archant)

'It's a local spectacle to a lot of people like to come and watch.

'I tend to bring visitors who have never seen a hunt – it's interesting for people to see what happens.

'I think Bungay is a very traditional town and am happy it has maintained its local traditions.'