Stowmarket's Grand Carnival Week

Back in 1948, Stowmarket Carnival took place over 9 days at the end of June with a wonderful mix of events for all ages. This year also saw the first Carnival Queen competition.

There's an air of excited anticipation as the people of Stowmarket line the streets to cheer the Carnival Queen and her entourage as she leads the Carnival floats to her special 'coronation' in the Park. For Sheila Morgen, it must have been a special day with a sea of adoring faces straining to see her take the crown. It's one of her deputies who turns up to judge the young Baby Show contestants - with some more enthusiastic to compete than others!

Local amateur photographer George Wilden did a great job in covering the weeks events at a number of venues in the town. The children's Fancy Dress was well contested with appearances by Little Bo-Peep, a Cowboy, a Pirate, a Nurse and a mini Pearly King and Queen! Ladies were treated to a very elegant Fashion Show of evening dresses and beachwear with the week's festivities ending with a Carnival Dance.