High carnival spirits

ONE of the largest turnouts ever watched the Caister carnival and fete when over 3000 people took advantage of glorious sunshine to witness the annual extravaganza on Sunday.

But doubts have arisen over the future of the carnival procession after only 14 floats gathered in Halt Road to parade to the village's playing field, one of the lowest attendances since the carnival started 33 years ago.

David Richardson, secretary of carnival organisers Norfolk Broads Lions Club, said many organisations had been put off organising floats by increasing health and safety legislation adding to the workload involved.

He said: “I could see it disappearing. We have got to be realistic and there is a possibility it could go in the future. Great Yarmouth used to have a terrific parade with its carnival and that has now gone. The main reason for the decline is the risk factors involved and people taking responsibility for them.”

The parade was led by the Winterton Marine Cadet band followed by floats from Norfolk Broads Lions, Caister 1st Scout group, Beach Radio, Leukaemia Research, Caister FC and a number of other organisations.

The procession travelled down Ormesby Road and the village High Street before going left up Tan Lane and then left again up Lacon Road and Allendale Road, finishing at the playing field.

Spectators gathered in the playing field to see performances by Phoenix Karate School and the Wroxham Agility Group, which provides dog displays.

Cash prizes were awarded to the best fancy dress based on the carnival's theme TV personalities. Prize winners included Leukaemia Research, who dressed as Heroes and Villains, Caister 1st Scouts, who were characters from TV show Casualty and the Norfolk and Suffolk Animal Trust, who were One Man and His Dog.

The fete also hosted 40 stalls and raised �1,000 for the Palliative Care East appeal.

Yarmouth Mayor and Mayoress Tony and Sara Smith also attended the carnival.