The streets of Soham came alive with sound and colour when the 61st Soham carnival and heavy horse show took to the streets.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to enjoy a fun packed parade with prizes given for a host of floats including best club float, best school float and best newcomer float.
Among the fun was ferret shows, giant horses, crafts, games, music and refreshments.
The recreation ground was basked in bright sunshine as hundreds of people enjoyed the event which included equine owners from across the country who showed their prize horses, many of which visitors were able to get up close to.
The carnival parade boasted royalty from carnival princess Zara Robelo, 7, who was supported by Faith Bird, 9, and Mia Jones, 9.
Once at the recreation ground, the fun continued until the early evening, with a whole host of attractions, including falconry displays, ferret racing, magic shows, lurcher racing and classic car parades.
There were also bygones displays, fairground rides, performances from local dance troupes and theatre groups, a beer tent, Punch and Judy shows and stalls, plus the skate park was full of action with BMX, skateboard and scooter competitions.
There was a special live music stage this year with bands including Resolution Band, Generations, RockVox Choir and Blue Thunder, Money raised will all go to local charities organised under the banner of the Soham Benevolent Association which was formed in 1954 after the success of the first ever Soham Carnival & Heavy Horse Show which was held in 1953 to celebrate the Queen’s coronation.
The Carnival was originally held on Whit Bank Holiday Monday which has now been transformed into Spring Bank Holiday Monday, the last Monday in May each year.
Over the years the entertainment has varied considerably and many thousands of pounds have been donated to a wide range of deserving local causes to benefit the whole community including East Anglian Children’s Hospices, Arthur Rank Hospice, Soham Staploe Medical Centre, Soham Swimming Pool, Ross Peer’s Sports Centre, St. Andrew’s Primary School, The Weatheralls Primary School, Soham Village College, St. John Ambulance Soham Combined Division, Soham Scouts & Guides, Soham Holiday Playscheme, Soham Association of Commerce & Trade Christmas Light Fund, Soham Museum Project and Soham On-Line Community Website.
The money has funded children’s play equipment on the Recreation Ground as well as the town signs at Downfields and Townsend, which were made by staff and students from Soham Village College.
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