Tens of thousands of people are set to flock to Lowestoft as the UK's only free beach festival makes a welcome return to the town next weekend.
And leading them on their way, as part of a unique opening parade, will be a giant Lowestoft puppet representing the Spirit of the Sea.
Ahead of the eagerly awaited First Light Festival - which is set to take centre stage over the weekend of Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 - there was the chance to meet Sol in Lowestoft on Tuesday.
Organised by First Light CIC, the free summer solstice celebration of culture, creativity and community will return to Lowestoft's South Beach.
Starting at 10.45am at the Marina Theatre and ending at the Sunlight Stage at noon, the 'Welcome to Lowestoft Opening Parade' is described by organisers as "a walking parade that shines a light on the unique character of Lowestoft".
Welcoming Lowestoft’s giant new Spirit of the Sea puppet, Sol - who will be leading the Hi!Street Fest celebrations as part of the special festival opening parade - on London Road South on Tuesday was festival staff and volunteers, along with councillors and various partners in the project.
This included members of the Marina Theatre’s new samba band - who will make their debut at the parade - along with the project’s community producers, local business owners and CEO, Genevieve Christie.
The parade will also feature Farrah - a five metre tall fox - along with Sol, as musicians, performers and community groups dance, swirl and march their way through town "in a celebration of Lowestoft and our high street".
Co-created by the community, Sol will feature in the festival’s opening parade as part of the nationwide Hi!Street Fest project with Emergency Exit Arts and in partnership with Historic England.
Reaction
Of the opening parade, Mrs Christie said: "We are one of six towns in this project and as part of this we are creating a parade and key to that are some puppets.
"A giant fox puppet named 'Farrah the Fox' is coming for the festival from Greenwich and we are very excited that Lowestoft is the first town he will visit.
"We have also been involved in making what is called the 'host puppet' as each town has its own puppet, and ours is called ‘Sol’ - for the sun and spirit of the sea.
"Our theme is a mixture of urban creatures visualised by the puppet and sea creatures and we feel that typifies the character of Lowestoft where the town meets the sea."
The new leader of East Suffolk Council, Caroline Topping, said: "It is amazing to see the amount of community spirit that has been generated and people that have taken part to make this event vibrant, fun and inclusive and I am delighted that East Suffolk Council has been able to support it.
"It is great to see the Sol the puppet and to hear that it has been made from recycled and sustainable material – the Green Party really would approve."
Children from St Mary’s RC school were also on hand to support the launch of Sol.
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