THE sun may not have been shining but the paths were packed for this year's Halesworth Carnival.More than 20 floats joined in the parade from the industrial estate on Bramfield Road to Halesworth Town Park during the event yesterday, organised by the Halesworth Lions Club.

THE sun may not have been shining but the paths were packed for this year's Halesworth Carnival.

More than 20 floats joined in the parade from the industrial estate on Bramfield Road to Halesworth Town Park during the event yesterday, organised by the Halesworth Lions Club.

The parade included the fire service as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Beech House residential home pretending it was race day - complete with a Shetland pony as Desert Orchid - and the Brownies and Guides belly-dancing their way along the route.

“It's a bit of fun, we do it for the town, for people to come out and enjoy,” said Lions' press officer Mandy Hawksley.

“It's been absolutely brilliant, the procession is the best we've had and the park was packed all afternoon.

“It's not been sunny but quite warm, we were very lucky. The weather was just right to keep people in the town.”

Competitions included children's fancy dress, the pet show and the duck race. The Suffolk Samba Band and the Chermond gymnastic team provided entertainment.

Last year, the organisers were unsure if the event would go ahead due to sponsorship.

But sponsors were found and Miss Hawksley said the popular event will be back again next year.