It all started in 2012 as a discussion on the BrandonSuffolk.com forum where the ideas of Bruce Weetman and Gary & Jenny Brocklehurst strived to bring the best of community spirit to Brandon with a parade and carnival to celebrate the Queen's diamond jubilee.
Our initial plan was to have a vehicle based parade starting on the London Road industrial estate and proceeding down the High Street to the field behind The Ram Hotel, however because of the high cost of training volunteers along with the difficulties in obtaining permissions in sufficient time, it was decided that for our first carnival we would turn the vehicle parade into a walking parade. This would have started on Market Hill but still pass through the heart of Brandon, along the High Street to the Ram Hotel field. Misfortune followed misfortune and it was not possible to use this field.
However, with a keen organising committee who refused to give in and the support of town councillors Richard Crowther, Mark Skinner &Tony Simmons, Town Clerk Christine Mason, Terry Hawkins from BrandonSuffolk.com and Neal & Diane King, the search continued for a new venue and route.
After speaking with Joanne Rogers (the then town centre manager) and Brandon House, a new venue and route was devised. After gaining confirmation from both, the walking parade left Brandon House bringing all of the colour, vibrance and energy of the Brandon community to the High Street and up onto Market Hill.
The carnival would not have been complete without a carnival queen and princess and with the assistance and artistic flair of Jill Blanchard, Leigh Driver and IES Breckland a queen and princess competition was organised. Bright, colourful advertising banners designed by Jo Wall were visible on the London Road to passing traffic and full colour postcards delivered to households all over Brandon along with flyers and posters in local shops.
The carnival parade itself was lead by the carnival queen and princess who travelled in style in classic cars provided by the Brandon & District Classic Vehicle Club.
On Market Hill the carnival culminated with a selection of locally inspired stalls, exhibitions and displays from the wide spectrum that is the spirit and community of Brandon. In the Flintknappers' car park vehicles from the Brandon & District classic car club were displayed and Brandon Heritage Centre opened especially for the day with free admission.
That is the story of the 2012, and the new committee's first, Brandon Carnival. We made the event bigger and better in 2013 and added introduced the vehicle parade we had all hoped for. Although our first carnival was a wet one, we have enjoyed sunshine every year since.
We've taken a break for 2018 and 2019 and will return in 2020 with an even bigger event, we hope to see you there!
We couldn't do it without the continued support of these local businesses and the team of volunteers that help us on the day. Thank you!
