With less than a month to go, the countdown is on ahead of one of Suffolk's most historic carnivals turns 80.

The aptly named "Anything 80!" is the theme for this year's Aldeburgh Carnival which started all the way back in 1944.

The three day celebration will return on Saturday, August 17.

T-J Haworth-Culf, Mayor of Aldeburgh said, "I am honoured to Chair the Aldeburgh Carnival Committee. 

"Aldeburgh, and I, have great affection for this lovely family centred event, where over the decades generations of people have made very happy memories.

"Without its volunteers who start planning the next Carnival from the day following the last one, it wouldn’t have continued to thrive into this, its specially fantastic 80th year."

The procession brings out creativity in the town centre (Image: Aldeburgh Carnival)

The festival this year is offering a crafts and food mini village, giant kites, music, silent auction, now "legendary" Sunday 10K Mini-Marathon, and the Carnival Procession on Monday, dancing in the street, lantern procession, fireworks, along with the traditional events that the Carnival is known for.

Aldeburgh carnival celebrates 80th year running milestone (Image: Aldeburgh photographic group)

Carnival goers can also take part in the silent auction, which has been live since Saturday, July 13.

The auction will close at 2pm Sunday, August 18, prior to the auction on the seafront that afternoon. 

Among the prizes to win are a festive getaway cruise, dinners for four, painting lessons and 18 hole round of golf.

What events are being held across the three days? 

Saturday:

  • Live music on the beach

  • Silent auction continues

  • Duck races at 4.30pm

  • East Anglian kite flyers (illuminated kites will fly at approximately 8pm)

Sunday:

  • 10K mini marathon

  • Punch and Judy

  • The egg boat race

  • 10/10 Treasure hunt

  • Silent auction ends at 2pm

  • United songs of praise

  • Duck races at 4.30pm

  • East Anglian Kite Flyers

Monday:

  • Carnival procession from 3.45pm

  • Waiters race

  • RNLI and HM Coastguard air-sea rescue demonstration

  • Suffolk school of samba, pop chorus & military band performances

  • Carnival queen crowning

  • Swimming races in the sea

In the interests of road safety, there will be traffic restrictions on carnival day, Monday, August 19.