Twenty-one Mayors, Mayoresses, Chairmen and consorts threw their ceremonial hats in the air to proclaim the first ever Suffolk Day.
The “chain gang” came to Ipswich Town Hall from all over the county to join Ipswich Mayor Sarah Barber in an historic address.
Beccles, Bury, Haverhill, Hadleigh, Sudbury, Felixstowe, Needham Market, Woodbridge, Framlingham and Mildenhall were all represented in the county town to join in the celebration of everything that is good about Suffolk.
The biggest cheer came when Councillor Barber said Suffolk boasted the best football club in the region.
She told guests, the assembled media and an enthusiastic crowd on the Cornhill: “We have historic towns, villages, the incredible coast and so much unspoilt countryside. We have fantastic local food, so much art and culture, and innovative businesses to take us forward. We have museums, parks, breweries and also the finest football club in the region.
“We hope Suffolk Day will become an annual celebration and while it is fitting to read this proclamation from the heart of Suffolk’s county town, it is only right that the honour is shared in future years among our many friends gathered here today.”
After a rousing “Hip Hip Hooray” the guests then enjoyed tea in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Hall, where Councillor Barber unveiled a cake she had baked especially for the occasion.
