THOUSANDS of spectators lined the streets in bright sunshine on Sunday as 40 years of organising carnivals in Lowestoft were celebrated in style.Organisers - the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital - were delighted with the turnout, as the anniversary parade featured a vibrant collection of almost 50 decorated floats, popular bands, dancing troupes, walkers in zany costumes, majorettes and a line-up of veteran and classic vehicles.

THOUSANDS of spectators lined the streets in bright sunshine on Sunday as 40 years of organising carnivals in Lowestoft were celebrated in style.

Organisers - the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital - were delighted with the turnout, as the anniversary parade featured a vibrant collection of almost 50 decorated floats, popular bands, dancing troupes, walkers in

zany costumes, majorettes and a line-up of veteran and classic vehicles.

About 15,000 people lined the streets and the many heavy coin buckets were a sign of just how popular the parade had been.

Families had jostled for position as they searched for the best vantage point an hour ahead of the 3pm start as the colourful floats and entries left Kirkley Park Road to wind their way along London Road South, over the bridge to the finish at the Katwijk Way/Gordon Road roundabout.

Leading the parade, recently crowned Lowestoft Journal Carnival Queen Charlotte Barker and her attendants Charlotte Soanes and Emily Lawrence took pride of place in the procession.

With lively music from the Wellingborough Redwell Carnival Band, who have been regular visitors to the carnival over the years, heralding the arrival of the annual procession, the town was given a real treat.

Characters from Star Wars, pirates, girls in sixties dress, Daleks and a raft of fancy dress displays were all out in force as a lively party mood was recreated for this year's anniversary parade.

Collectors were weighed down with many heavy buckets from coins dropped in by spectators along the parade route - which helped to make the effort of everyone really worthwhile. The total sum raised is expected to be known next week.

Carnival chairman Pat Rayner said: “The atmosphere was very special, with everyone really enjoying the parade - but without the help of the emergency services, especially the local police and special constabulary, together with St John Ambulance personnel and the fire service, the festivities could not have taken place. We are indebted to them.”

The police and first aiders reported a trouble-free event, and those who were unable to attend the parade but who may still have coins that they wish to donate, can take them to reception at Lowestoft Hospital.