Ian Clarke Motorists faced long delays as about 8500 people from as far afield as mainland Europe attended the national Tamil pilgrimage in Walsingham today.The main disruption was around the shrine village but it also created issues around Fakenham and Wells, especially as thousands of day trippers were out enjoying the hot weather.

Ian Clarke

Motorists faced delays as about 10,000 people from as far afield as mainland Europe attended the national Tamil pilgrimage in Walsingham today.

The main disruption was around the shrine village but it also created issues around Fakenham and Wells, especially as thousands of day trippers were out enjoying the hot weather.

Some cars also broke down as the temperatures rose.

Police officers and community support officers and members of the special constabulary were involved with the operation.

Insp Mike Brown, of Norfolk Police, said the pilgrimage itself had been “very busy but a very happy day.”

“It has been very peaceful and a lot of people have been out enjoying themselves.”

“Norfolk Constabulary attended this family event to ensure the safety of the Tamil and local communities. The day went smoothly and was carried out with good spirit.”

“This had been a carefully planned operation involving ourselves and a number of partner agencies and we are happy to report there were no incidents of note.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended the event as well as the local community for their co-operation on the day.”