There will not be a carnival parade in Lowestoft for a second year running, following the announcement by the organisers this week.

In making the announcement, the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital said that after considering a number of alternative options, none of which turned out to be viable, regretfully they would not be arranging a carnival parade in the town this year and unless circumstances changed, they would not be in a position to do so again for the foreseeable future!

The committee of the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital has been putting on the annual procession through Lowestoft for over 40 years but following the enforcement of legislation relating to Carnival processions on trunk roads and also changes to traffic management requirements for such events, they feel that they have no alternative but to withdraw from the parade.

The Friend’s Chairman Mrs. Pat Rayner said “since announcing that we were not able to proceed with a Lowestoft carnival parade last year we have had meetings with various interested people - sadly without making any significant progress.”

She added “we are still supporting the local hospital and medical services in the town and are now considering alternative fundraising events.

We do not wish to stage inferior processions to those successfully put on in the past and would rather our supporters have happy memories of the fun times we have all had together.” 

A carnival spokesman said that other options for the parade that were considered included a shortened South Lowestoft only route, a restricted town centre parade through London Road North pedestrianised area, a wheelbarrow parade or race from the High Street to Royal Green and a parade or soapbox races on the south beach promenade. All were given due consideration but eventually ruled out.

He said “the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital predominantly exist to raise funds and when the finances of the alternative events were considered, especially relating to the costs of ensuring the safety of all concerned, then the decisions were virtually made for us”.

A Lowestoft Carnival Charity auction is one fundraising idea that is starting to be rolled out. Organisers plan to hold the event on October 25th 2012 and items to attract the bidders are currently being sourced.

A Model Boat Regatta at Kensington Gardens on August 19th and the Hospital and Carnival fete are amongst other fund raising events that will go-ahead this year.

The Friends are using social media Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch with their supporters and anyone who can offer help with the fundraising events is asked to contact  Mrs. Pat Rayner on 01502 563847 or email patatsunrise@aol.com.

In the interest of preserving the history of the Lowestoft Carnival procession Mrs. Rayner is appealing for any trophies, shields or memorabilia etc to be returned. They can be left, anonymously if desired, at Lowestoft Hospital in Tennyson Road.