Keeping Carnival alive

Diss Carnival is often described as “the party of the year”. Every June, thousands of you turn out to watch the procession with its fantastic variety of floats and walking groups, followed by a jam-packed afternoon of entertainment at the Fun Day. Every June that is, until COVID-19. Last year, the Carnival Committee was forced to cancel due to COVID-19 restrictions. And this year was, sadly, no different. Keen to keep the spirit of Carnival alive until it can return in full force next year, we thought we’d take some time to reminisce. So, here are some pics and memories to keep you going until next June. Enjoy!

“One memory that stands out for me is having over 40 of my Tribe performing in the arena on a beautiful sunny day with the crowds cheering and clapping!” Amy Bobbins, Tribe ALL Fitness

“Diss Carnival is always a great day out. I enjoy seeing people getting involved in the Carnival spirit! My favourite Carnival theme was ‘Countries of the World’ where Diss Museum entered as Ireland…great fun!” Basil Abbott, Diss Museum Manager “The Carnival was revived to bring the community together. It has achieved that and become the most popular and successful event in Diss. Every year has been different and had its own special moments, with acts ranging from Newfoundland dog displays, marching pipe bands and zorbing to the RAF Falcons Parachute Displays team and displays of local crafts!” Cllr Doreen Collins, former Carnival Co-ordinator

“We love the lead up to Carnival; the hours of planning, the dressing of the tractor and trailer. The preparation is just as much fun as the day itself! Our favourite theme was ’80 years of Disney’. The children were so excited to dress up as their favourite characters. Carnival day brings new emotions; the excitement of the children clambering into the trailer, lunch boxes crammed with goodies and excited parents waving them off as we leave the car park (tissues always at the ready). Then, there are the crowds as we start on our journey… wow! A sea of faces, waving hands and cheering voices. It’s a day that will be part of our memories forever.” Sharon Everett, Merryfields Nursery Manager “I used to love going to Carnival at Diss - it was one of the highlights of the year! I can remember one year in the early 1970s walking from Scole to Diss when the Carnival was on the football ground in Roydon Road. There was a huge container full of bubbles that I was thrown into by a member of Diss Rugby Club. Fortunately, it was a warm day so I soon dried off! Ten years later I entered my daughter in the baby competition - she

came second! I remember watching the various routes the procession took over the years from different vantage points, including from the flat above The Wool Shop, where I worked in Mere Street, the corner of Fair Green, by the fish and chip shop, and at the top of Uplands Way when I lived in Walcot Road.” Roella Trudgill, Diss Resident

“I organised the Fun Dog Show in 2019, because I know how much people love a dog show! It was a great way for people to show off their gorgeous hounds, while raising money for charity! My favourite theme over the years was 2019’s ‘Pre-DISStoric’. The kiddies loved the dinosaurs and the outfits were great!” Hannah Defoe, Hannah’s Pet Services

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