Much-loved characters from children's literature will step off the page at this year's Wymondham Carnival.

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured are (from left) Adele (9), Spencer (10), Tobias (6), Jacob (9) and Emily (15). Picture: Ian BurtLaunch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured are (from left) Adele (9), Spencer (10), Tobias (6), Jacob (9) and Emily (15). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Organisers have announced that the popular event, which draws thousands of people to the market town's centre each summer, will have a 'children's books' theme this year.

Fran Young, chair of Wymondham Town Team and carnival organiser, said: 'The carnival is the weekend of the start of summer holidays, and it's a great way for the people of Wymondham to come together before we go separate directions over the summer.

'We're delighted to be able to offer this celebration to the town.'

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Eliza (2). Picture: Ian BurtLaunch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Eliza (2). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

READ MORE: Wymondham's King's Head Meadow campaigners celebrate a victory in fight to save playscapeThe Sunday, July 23 event will take place for the first time at King's Head Meadow, featuring a fun fair, live music and dancing, stalls, a labyrinth, Wymondham Goes Creative activities, Les King Memorial football matches and plenty of storytelling.

Mrs Young said: 'The Town Team is run by volunteers, and they've put together such an exciting programme of events.

'We initially had concerns about moving the carnival from the Market Square to the Kings Head Meadow and to a Sunday, but actually this means we are able to still offer up a super event, just on a scale we can manage with a smaller team.

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian BurtLaunch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

READ MORE: Ahoy me hearties! Pirate themed Wymondham Carnival pulls in record crowds'We'd be really eager to talk to anyone who might join us for next year - if even ten more people came along and did one thing, the carnival could really grow - and Wymondham would be better for all of us.'

A parade will weave its way through the town, arriving at the meadow for the start of the carnival at 3.30pm.

The bands Reverie and Time Machine will be among the performers, and actor Paul Goldsmith will lead an interactive story session on stage.

The title character from the popular book The Gruffalo will also make an appearance, thanks to a partnership with Wymondham community bookshop, Kett's Books. The carnival is due to finish at 6.30pm.

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian BurtLaunch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

For more information, visit Wymondham Town Team's Facebook page. Kett's Books is also running a children's story writing competition in the lead-up to the carnival, with more details available on their website at www.kettsbooks.co.uk.

The day's programme

-3.30pm - Parade arrives at King's Head Meadow for judging

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian BurtLaunch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

-3.45pm - Reverie (live music on stage)

-4.05pm - Time Machine (live music on stage)

-4.05pm - Kett's Books story time with The Gruffalo Library

-4.25pm - Paul Goldsmith, interactive stories on stage

Eastern Daily Press: Launch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian BurtLaunch of the Wymondham Carnival. Pictured is Tobias (6). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

-4.55pm - Dance troupe (subject to confirmation) - on stage

-5.05pm - Clog dancers outside Central Hall

-5.20pm - Reverie (live music on stage)

-5.50pm - Presentation of awards

-6.00pm - Time Machine finale (live music on stage)

-6.30pm - Finish