It's the biggest event in Cromer's calendar and despite the atrocious weather in north Norfolk this week - the show will go on.

That's the message from Cromer Carnival chairman Tony Shipp.

The bad weather has affected preparations for the event, which runs from Saturday, August 12 to Friday, August 18, but Mr Shipp has promised the show will be ready to roll come Saturday.

He said: 'This week's weather has slowed down preparations a bit, but we will be ready to go on Saturday.

'Hopefully the weather won't be as bad as it's been this week. The forecast for the weekend looks pretty good, and it will probably be a case of dodging the showers for parts of next week. There's nothing we can do about it.'

Last year's fireworks display was cancelled because of the weather, and Mr Shipp said they would again take advice from the fireworks company, on whether it was safe to go-ahead.

He added: 'I've been carnival chairman for 37 years but I'm still looking forward to it, though it does not get any easier to prepare it all.

'I look forward to the whole week but the highlights for me will be the Red Arrows, and I always enjoy the carnival parade.'

Now in its 48th year, organisers have lined up a packed programme of events for this year's carnival.

Among the highlights are the crowning of the Carnival Queen Phoebe Susan Chambers on the Pier forecourt on Sunday at 12.30pm.

The Red Arrows return on Carnival Day itself - Wednesday, August 16 - at 11am, and the Grand Carnival Parade will leave the Carnival Field on Runton Road that evening at 7pm.

Thursday will end with an illuminated parade and fireworks display, leaving Meadow Road at 8.30pm.

However, events are planned throughout the day and around the town all week.

This weekend includes The Great British Cromer Carnival Bake-off and custom car show on Saturday, followed by the children's fancy dress parade and bonny baby competition on Sunday.

For a full list of events lot on to the carnival website - www.cromercarnival.co.uk