A coastal carnival has been described as one of the best in the country following another record-breaking show.

Eastern Daily Press: The Red Arrows put on a spectacular show over Cromer in one of the highlights of the town's carnival week. Pictures: ALLY McGILVRAYThe Red Arrows put on a spectacular show over Cromer in one of the highlights of the town's carnival week. Pictures: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: ALLY McGILVRAY)

The Red Arrows were the main attraction at this year's sun-soaked Carnival Day in Cromer on Wednesday.

However, a bumper turnout for the fancy dress parade took the festivities to new heights.

Carnival chairman Tony Shipp said: 'It's beautiful, I'm very happy. It has been really good day, lots of people - probably some of the biggest crowds we've had for many years, and possibly ever.

'Everybody has had a really good day. The Red Arrows were fantastic as usual. Personally, I thought they were even better than the last time I saw them two years ago.'

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Carnival parade. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCromer Carnival parade. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Cromer Parish Church were crowned the overall winner of the fancy dress with its Western-themed float; Sheringham Medical Practice won the Spirit of Carnival award and InTouch Systems was chosen for the best entertainment award for its pirate themed ship.

Mr Shipp said: 'The acts in the arena have also gone down really well. There have been lots of people sitting around the arena all day. In fact, some haven't moved from the start to the finish which is the sign of a good show.'

And on the crowds of well-wishers who lined the streets for the carnival procession, some of whom took their seat three hours early to get the best vantage point, he added: 'It is the most people I have seen in Cromer for a long time. The whole way down Runton Road they were six to eight deep.'

The appearance of the Red Arrows after their absence last year made up for the disappointment of the last minute cancellation of the Wildcat aerobatic display team on Tuesday.

Eastern Daily Press: Cromer Carnival parade. Picture: ANTONY KELLYCromer Carnival parade. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

However, it has been confirmed that Thursday's grand carnival firework display has been cancelled on health and safety grounds following concerns over the forecast for blustery weather.

Mr Shipp said: 'We've had to cancel the fireworks on behalf of the company, and they are really upset about it, as we are, because they wanted to put on a good show at the first one.

'They have been following the 48 hour forecast; it's unusual weather because we've got this high presssure but we've still got these strong winds circulating round it and they are going to be north-easterly which are going to blow all the debris onto the crowd if they fire, so it's a healthy an safety thing and we had no choice really.'

But he added: 'All the other events will go ahead as planned, including the illuminated parade and band in marquee.'

The torchlight parade starts at the meadow, by Meadow Road, at 7pm, with the parade to Runton Road, led by TS Norfolk Marching Band, leaving at 8.30pm.

Other attractions around the town during the day include a carnival skateboard competition, from 10am; party on the lawns, from 2pm; crab dressing competition, from 4pm; remote controlled helicopter and aircraft display, from 6.30pm; and, also in the arena, Cromer Carnival versus Sheringham Carnival tug of war, from 7.15pm.

When asked what Cromer Carnival means to the town, Deputy Mayor John Frosdick said: 'It means alot of visitors coming here, bringing money into town, and people will come back to the town time and time again because this is one of the best carnivals in the country.'

For more photographs from the festivities, pick up a copy of this week's North Norfolk News. More are planned for the following week's paper and on the North Norfolk News Facebook page.