North Walsham Fun Day lives up to its name as thousands turn out for event

Soaking up the sun at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

North Walsham Fun Day kicked off on Friday with a family fun night, followed by a carnival-style parade through the town before an evening of live music.

The main event, which was held at Memorial Park on Sunday, included attractions ranging from charity stalls and games, to a live music marquee, donkey rides and living history and classic car displays.

Classic cars on show at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Fun day visitors also had a chance take their turn in the soggy sponge stocks and see a dog agility demonstration.

A highlight for many was meeting the exotic creatures brought along by Wild Touch animal rescue group - including 13ft-long Burmese python Zeuss, a giant tortoise, a raven and a pair of baby barn owls.

Living history group Memory Lane at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Now in its ninth year, the event was organised by a 10-strong committee, with local Scouts helping with setting up and clearing away.

Fun day chairman Andrea Canham said that the event, which was originally held as a one-off afternoon attraction, had grown beyond all expectation.

Living history group Memory Lane at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

It now attracts thousands of people of all ages and raises around £8,500 a year, with all profits going back into the fun day coffers.

'What we have tried to do this year is to revive the parade and take it back to the carnival North Walsham used to have years ago,' Mrs Canham said.

Anton and Sophie Rose with daughter Indi, 6, at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

'We have been helped by the beautiful weather, but it has been better than we ever anticipated.'

Fun day committee member Colin Jeary, who organised the parade, said: 'It was just phenomenal, we had 22 floats, people were lining the streets, and we will definitely doing it again next year.'

Town crier Roger Hopkinson at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Sponsors for this years event included North Walsham Town Council, as well as many local businesses and nurseries.

The live music marquee at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Hannah Bumphrey takes a turn in the soggy sponge stocks at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Hannah Bumphrey takes a turn in the soggy sponge stocks at North Walsham Fun DayPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Charlotte Sheales of Scratby Donkeys with Sparkles the 'unicorn'Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

North Walsham Friesenried Twinning Association vice-chairman Dianne Pipe with her husband PatrickPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Fun Day team members (from left): Julie-Ann Smith, Fun Day chairman Andrea Canham, vice-chairman Colin Jeary and committe member Bethany CanhamPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Youngsters meeting Zuess the 13 feet-long, 30kg Burmese python, brought along by Wild Touch animal rescue groupPhoto: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)

Charlotte Sheales of Scratby Donkeys with Sparkles the 'unicorn'Photo: KAREN BETHELL (Image: Archant)