Date set with Lowestoft Carnival returning to town next year

For more than 40 years thousands of people would flock to enjoy the Lowestoft Carnival parade.

And now, after a gap of over 12 years, Lowestoft is set to have a carnival once again - with a parade being held next year.

The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, Lowestoft has announced the return of the Lowestoft Carnival next year. Picture: The Seagull (Image: The Seagull)

The last street carnival parade in Lowestoft - which was organised by the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital - was held in 2012, with the 2013 procession cancelled due to a lack of entrants.

But after the not-for-profit arts venue, The Seagull Theatre, stepped forward with a plan to revive the carnival for summer 2025, a public consultation event proved a success with locals "enthusiastic" about the proposals.

The Seagull Theatre in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Picture: The Seagull (Image: The Seagull)

This week The Seagull in Pakefield, Lowestoft announced that the parade is planned for August next year.

The theatre's assistant manager and event organiser, Des Reynolds, said: "The parade itself will take place on Sunday, August 17, with other events happening on the day before.

"On Saturday, August 16 the theatre will once again hold its successful Children’s Theatre Festival on Royal Green, which drew large crowds this year."

Scenes from the successful children’s festival held earlier this year. Picture: Seagull Theatre (Image: Seagull Theatre) On carnival day, Royal Green will again feature stages for live music alongside food vendors and craft stalls.

The parade will start in the afternoon and will follow a route down London Road South and past Royal Green.

Back then - there were smiles aplenty on the Lowestoft FC float during the 2010 carnival procession. Picture: LIBRARY (Image: Archant © 2010)

Mr Reynolds added: "Due to the complexities and cost of closing the roads over the Bascule bridge, the parade will stay on the south side of Lake Lothing."

However, organisers want to stage other events in London Road North to ensure that all parts of the town are involved.

Mr Reynolds said: "The carnival will be traditional in nature, with vehicles forming floats and people processing alongside."

'A celebration of Lowestoft'

Organisers are keen to get local charities involved in the floats.

Mr Reynolds said: "Our carnival will be a celebration of Lowestoft and all the amazing charities and volunteer organisations that do so much wonderful work here.

"We want local people to have the chance to cheer on the hidden heroes of Lowestoft both past and present while also celebrating everything that is amazing about our lovely town."

Organisers said they were "thrilled" that there'd been so much public support for Lowestoft to have its own carnival in 2025.

Mr Reynolds added: "We can appreciate the concern about the date clash with Beccles Carnival.

"Organising something like a carnival is massively complex and sadly this time the dates happen to coincide.

"We are really keen to ensure that no harm comes to either event by sharing the same dates and will be actively seeking to support the Beccles event with marketing and publicity alongside our own parade."

If you want to support the returning Lowestoft Carnival email community@theseagull.co.uk.

A full application process for floats and stallholders will open soon.