THE sun shone brightly on Martham Carnival over the weekend as revellers turned out in force to enjoy music, dance and a host ofd attractions including donkey rides.

THE sun shone brightly on Martham Carnival over the weekend as revellers turned out in force to enjoy music, dance and a host ofd attractions including donkey rides.

One of the organisers, Penny Yeates, estimated 1,500 had attended the annual festivities in the village during Saturday and Sunday, a similar number to previous years.

However, profits to be donated to charity were expected to be down from the �1,400 last year to about �500 this year, a fact Mrs Yeates attributed to the economic downturn which meant people did not have as much money to give away.

She said Saturday and Sunday evenings were particularly busy for the live music which included a performance by local group Catch 22.

She said: “It went really well. The weather stayed nice for us. The crowds were down a little bit on Saturday, but Saturday and Sunday night it was like Glastonbury. It was absolutely packed for the Catch 22 gig.”

The two-day spectacular was hosted by MC Barrie Thornton who introduced the attractions, including a magic show, a display by the 901 Winterton Marine Cadet Band and the performance by Catch 22.

The carnival float procession left Marlborough Green Crescent for the centre of attractions in the village and was followed by a tug-of-war competition on the Green, donkey rides and a performance by the Janet Sutherland School of Dance.

A �100 cheque and shield was the prize won 1st Martham Brownies for the best float, while there were also awards for the Glamorous Gran and Bonnie Baby.

Carnival queen was 14-year-old Kitty Graham, and Great Yarmouth mayor and mayoress Tony and Sara Smith also attended.

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