Preparations for this year's Lord Mayor's Celebrations in Norwich are well under way and community groups are being encouraged to get registered for this year's street procession.

This year's carnival procession of floats and displays will parade through the city centre from 5pm on Saturday, July 7.

Groups wanting to take part in the procession have up until Tuesday, June 12 to get their application in - with this year's procession having an Olympic theme to celebrate the Olympics coming back to Britain for the first time in 64 years.

Joe A'Court, of the city council culture and events team, said: 'The Lord Mayor's street procession is such a special thing to be a part of - it is one of the most exciting and vibrant events in the city.

'Participating in the parade gives a fantastic opportunity for community groups, organisations, schools and businesses to get together, have some fun and create a whole lot of lasting memories.'

More than 60 different groups took part in last year's procession, with thousands of people soaking up the sun as the parade moved from Newmarket Road all the way down to Norwich Cathedral.

Last year's winners of the procession, judged on carnival spirit, was the UK Centre for Carnival Arts - which worked with Sprowston High School and The Hewett School - followed by the Red Hat Society's Norfolk Broads Chapter in second place and the Sewell Toy Library in third.

The procession raised �5,568.99 for the Lord Mayor's civic charities, through the various floats collecting donations along the route.

Mr A'Court added: 'There were so many brilliantly creative floats last year and we are keen to encourage people to build on those successes.

'So be part of the action, get involved in the city's biggest street party and submit your applications as soon as possible.'

For more information and to download an application form, go to the events page at www.norwich.gov.uk, or call 01603 212136 if you have further questions.

Are you planning to hold an event in Norwich? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk