Cromer carnival gets into full swing this weekend with the kind of fun mixture that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

And there is a rallying call from long-running chairman Tony Shipp for people to get involved as well as watch the scores of events.

'Please make every effort to take part – it's much more fun than standing and watching,' said Mr Shipp, now in his 30th year heading the army of organisers.

Today's events include a novelty dog show, and a new Saturday night jazz concert. Tomorrow the carnival ground hosts custom and classic cars, a gymkhana, and competitions for bonny babies, knobbly knees, glamorous grannies and children's fancy dress.

Wednesday's big carnival day is without the Red Arrows, but has flying displays by the Blades and Yakovlevs.

And Mr Shipp said the nature of the parade was changing with a switch to more walking fancy dress because of the expense of preparing large floats on lorries. But it was 'just as colourful'.

There would also be a Caribbean vibe to the parade with the debut of the Croydon Steel Orchestra.

As well as the traditional events, such as Monday afternoon's waiters' races, the committee tried to introduced new things every year, he said.

For more information visit www.cromercarnival.co.uk

Are you organising a major community event in north Norfolk? Email richard.batson@archant.co.uk