Did you march with a majorette troupe as a youngster, or cheer on a family member?

Sudbury Mercury: Silver Spinners majorettes pictured with their trophies in Ipswich, in April 1990Silver Spinners majorettes pictured with their trophies in Ipswich, in April 1990 (Image: Archant)

Today we're looking back at some of the baton-twirling performances which have entertained crowds at events around Suffolk over the decades.

Sudbury Mercury: Starlite Express Majorettes at Bury St Edmunds in March 1994Starlite Express Majorettes at Bury St Edmunds in March 1994 (Image: Archant)

Although it's clear to see that majorettes have a lot of fun, it's also hard work to get the moves quite right.

Sudbury Mercury: Essex Majorettes at the Salute to Youth March held in Sudbury in September 1981Essex Majorettes at the Salute to Youth March held in Sudbury in September 1981 (Image: Archant)

It's believed majorettes' moves may have originally derived from carnival dances in the Rhineland.

Sudbury Mercury: Majorettes at the RSPCA in Martlesham in July 1985Majorettes at the RSPCA in Martlesham in July 1985 (Image: Archant)

Baton twirling started to spread around US during the 1950s and 60s, and an increasing number of majorette troupes were founded in the UK by the 1980s.

Sudbury Mercury: Majorettes entertain the crowds during Stowmarket Carnival in 2004Majorettes entertain the crowds during Stowmarket Carnival in 2004 (Image: Archant)

The Silver Spinners were the first troupe to be formed in Ipswich, in 1982.

Can you spot any familiar faces in our Days Gone By gallery?

Sudbury Mercury: Ipswich Majorettes at Cliff Lane Street Fair in 1999Ipswich Majorettes at Cliff Lane Street Fair in 1999 (Image: Archant)

If these pictures bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order copies of photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.

Sudbury Mercury: Suffolk Royals Tiny Tots at a Majorette Fun Day at Langer Park, Felixstowe in 2003Suffolk Royals Tiny Tots at a Majorette Fun Day at Langer Park, Felixstowe in 2003 (Image: Archant)

Sudbury Mercury: Destiny at a Majorette Fun Day at Langer Park, Felixstowe in 2003Destiny at a Majorette Fun Day at Langer Park, Felixstowe in 2003 (Image: Archant)