It may have only just come to a close, but Downham Market Festival organisers are already wondering how to top this year’s “fantastic” event.

The festival, in its 44th year, provided over a week’s worth of entertainment in the town, which concluded on Sunday with ‘Sunday Funday’ and the flag-lowering ceremony.

Denise Whiley, secretary of the festival committee, said: “So many people have said it’s the best one yet.

“We don’t want to sit back and rest on our laurels, but everything was so well attended which is lovely as it makes it so much more worthwhile.”

The festival, which had a theme of Around the World this year, saw numerous events for all ages take place from Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, June 3, including the annual carnival parade, art exhibitions, live music and a festival quiz.

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There were more than 70 youngsters at each of the week’s children’s events, a show with Crazy Bananas and a traditional children’s party, the numbers for which have increased on previous years.

Other highlights of the week included a bridge and afternoon tea event, and a photography exhibition from historian Mike Bullen, who shared old photos of Downham in the town hall.

Mrs Whiley said they had a number of people to thank for their help.

“We are extremely grateful to the town council who were very supportive, and the mayor came to most of the things,” she said.

“We really want to thank the townspeople who turned up as well.”

Any feedback is welcome, Mrs Whiley said, to help shape the festival in the future.

“If anyone has got any ideas or if they would like to see something different then they can get in touch.

“We are a small committee so we are always on the look out for help.

“There’s only eight of us but we work very hard, and we work very well together, but we could certainly do with more people.”

Mrs Whiley is contactable on 01366 383615.