We Love Aldeburgh Carnival!

The coastal town of Aldeburgh is very fortunate in being one of the few towns that has managed to continue the carnival tradition when so many others have been forced to give up.  Aldeburgh Carnival has been a thriving fixture in the Suffolk social scene since 1875 when it was known as the Ye Olde Marine Regatta.  This three-day celebration takes place every August and brings folk from far and wide to enjoy the festivities.

The format of the event is quite different to all those years ago – Saturday is ‘Music Day’ when visitors can enjoy a variety of performances across the town.  There’s also a Lollipop hunt, petanque competitions, a silent auction and lots more family fun.  Sunday is ‘Sport Day’ with a 10k mini marathon and lots of other fun competitions and races.  Monday is ‘Parade Day’, a spectacularly themed (this year it was film to commemorate 100 years of Aldeburgh Cinema) day where TWO processions take place, the first being the main parade and the second a magical evening lantern procession for everyone to be part of, followed by a first class fireworks display.

This truly special event is run solely by volunteers and is fully self-funding which is a phenomenal achievement, so special thanks must go to the people who dedicate their time and effort year-round to bring the event to fruition and the visitors who donate generously to show their appreciation. 

Here at Suffolk Secrets we are very proud to play our part, not only with financial support, having been sponsor of the lantern procession and fireworks for the last four years, but with commitment from our team to be part of the event.  Yesterday six of our team joined the ‘high-vis heroes’ to collected donations from the crowds during the evening entertainment and lantern procession and this morning members of our maintenance crew are helping with the challenging task of clearing the beach after the fair and fireworks display.  We love being a part of Aldeburgh Carnival and will be back next year rattling our buckets!

Will you be there in 2020?  2020 Carnival weekend is Saturday 15th to Monday 17th August and you won’t want to miss it!  Why not book your family summer holiday now to make sure you’re part of the action.

Pictured: Enthusiastic volunteers from the Suffolk Secrets Team, from left to right: Jonathan Bryant, Megan Desborough, Erin Saunders and Debbie Laing-Songhurst.