Fun for all the family saw thousands of people enjoying an "electric" party-style atmosphere as one of the major events on the Suffolk calendar was hailed a success.

Carnival fever hit Beccles - with the town rocking as an action-packed weekend of entertainment attracted the crowds.

The town's largest yearly event took centre stage last Saturday and Sunday - with organisers praising the many thousands who turned out to "keep our carnival tradition alive".

Fun and entertainment aplenty set the ball rolling as the annual bonanza made a welcome return to the Beccles Quay events arena in Fen Lane from 1pm on Saturday.

A fun dog show, featuring "hundreds of dogs" as it was sponsored by various canine food brands, drew the crowds as did the Beccles Baby competition and the under 17’s Beccles Got Talent final.

With a variety of other entertainment throughout the afternoon there was plenty for the crowds to enjoy before 'Beccles Quay Rocks' - the ever-popular live music event - hit the stage from 6pm.

There were gasps as talented X Factor 2017 contestant Leon Mallet - also known as the 'East Anglian Boy' - proved to be a "big hit" as he wowed the crowds, before Wrong Jovi, a popular UK Bon Jovi tribute band, rocked.

The Beccles Carnival procession, which dates back to the pre 1900s, then took centre stage on Sunday afternoon as thousands of people lined the streets to welcome the entertainers and dozens of floats.

With the weather befitting the occasion, a Beccles Carnival spokesman said: "We had a very successful weekend with thousands of people descending on Beccles Quay on both days.

"Leon Mallett - AKA East Anglian Boy - was a big hit with the crowds performing at Beccles Quay Rocks and then he made a surprise appearance on the Sunday afternoon."

Organisers said that the overall winner of the Beccles Carnival parade 2024 was S.O.S with Beccles Royales the runners up.

The winners of the inaugural Beccles Got Talent for U17's was Funky Feet School of Dance, with Amy Villa taking the 18's and overprize.

The carnival spokesman added: "The atmosphere for Beccles Quay Rocks was electric with Leon Mallett and Wrong Jovi headlining the evening of live music.

"Hundreds of dogs entered our fun dog show while Waveney Gymnastics Club did an amazing display on Saturday afternoon.

"Sunday saw thousands of people line the streets of Beccles for our annual carnival parade followed by displays at Beccles Quay from Broadway Players, Rock Fit by Asha, Samba Band, and much, much more.

"We would like to thank everyone who turned out and supported the carnival this weekend and we thank all the parade entrants.

"Without you we wouldn't be able to keep our carnival tradition alive."

The 2025 Beccles Carnival weekend will return next year on August 16/17.

If you would still like to donate, visit the Beccles Carnival Facebook page where you can scan the QR code.