The traditional Bungay festival has come to a close after an extensive two-week programme of arts and entertainment.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: There was something for everyone at this year's festival. Photo: Andrew AtterwillThere was something for everyone at this year's festival. Photo: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Archant)

Proceedings ended on Sunday, July 23, with the art and antiques street fair, which extended across the town to St. Mary’s Church where the affordable art fair was also held.

Members of the public were offered a vast selection of music, entertainment and local food on the day, before the festival closing ceremony took place at 4pm.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The festival began on Saturday, July 8 and came to an end on Sunday, July 23. Photo: Andrew AtterwillThe festival began on Saturday, July 8 and came to an end on Sunday, July 23. Photo: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Archant)

With this year’s instalment having begun on Saturday, July 8, there were a variety of different events embracing literature, local history, music, heritage and theatre.

The programme is co-ordinated by the Bungay Events and Business Association (BEBA), which itself stages the famous street market.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Events embraced literature, local history, music, heritage and theatre. Photo: Andrew AtterwillEvents embraced literature, local history, music, heritage and theatre. Photo: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Archant)

Simon Thompson, chairman of BEBA and member of the festival planning committee, was enthusiastic that 2017 had seen one of the most successful festivals to date.

“All the events were really well attended and the local community gave us plenty of support,” he said.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Great Bungay Duck Race was in its third year. Picture: Andrew AtterwillThe Great Bungay Duck Race was in its third year. Picture: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Archant)

“The great thing is that we offered activities and events for all ages, so there was something for everybody.”

New to this year’s annual celebrations were the ‘Fascinating Festival Fowls’, a parade of chicken-themed hats displayed in shop windows to commemorate the famous Chicken Roundabout on the Bungay and Ditchingham bypass.

One of the highlights was undoubtedly the ‘Great Bungay Duck Race’, which is now in its third year. An event that always guarantees laugh, the scintillating contest saw competitors release their decorated ducks down the River Waveney and cheer them on along the way.

Other notable moments included an evening of Shakespeare at Bungay Castle and a spectacular flower festival at St. Mary’s Church.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Proceedings came to an end with an art and antiques street fair. Photo: Andrew AtterwillProceedings came to an end with an art and antiques street fair. Photo: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Archant)

“Our festival committee is made up of a large variety of people, so we have lots of individuals offering a range of ideas to keep things interesting,” added Mr Thompson.

“The festival has become a real landmark on the map and we plan to continue in the same vain for years to come.”

Beccles & Bungay Journal: An affordable art fair took place at St. Mary's Church. Photo: Andrew AtterwillAn affordable art fair took place at St. Mary's Church. Photo: Andrew Atterwill (Image: Archant)

Despite the festival coming to a close, there are still a few remaining events in the Summer in Bungay programme.