A popular coastal carnival has been cancelled.

Eastern Daily Press: Hunstanton Rainbows, Brownies and Guides on their 101 Dalmations float at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris BishopHunstanton Rainbows, Brownies and Guides on their 101 Dalmations float at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Hunstanton was set to host its carnival this weekend. But the event will not now be going ahead, with events on Saturday and Sunday called off.

Today Steve Ellis, one of the organisers, said the event had been cancelled because it clashed with Festival Too, which also begins in King's Lynn on Sunday.

"As soon as we realised the carnival was on the same weekend as Festival Too, we thought we'd not clash," he said.

Eastern Daily Press: The parade makes its way through the town at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris BishopThe parade makes its way through the town at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Mr Ellis added he spoke to local groups about the decision, some of which were due to perform at Festival Too in Lynn.

It's unclear who the other members of the organising committee are and when the decision to cancel was taken. No public announcement was made.

Organisations which make floats such as the town's primary and nursery schools are usually invited to take part but this year were not approached.

Eastern Daily Press: The lifeboat crew, with a float inspired by their hovercraft at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris BishopThe lifeboat crew, with a float inspired by their hovercraft at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Thousands normally line the streets for the parade from the recreation ground through the resort on the Sunday, before a day of activities on the Green.

Hunstanton Town Council is not involved with organising the event, which has been run by an independent committee for more than 25 years.

"We've recently found out there won't be a carnival taking place," said town clerk Jan Roomes. "As a council we're very upset this is happening.

Eastern Daily Press: Snow White and the seven dwarves on parade at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris BishopSnow White and the seven dwarves on parade at Hunstanton Carnival 2018. Photo: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

"We've not been given any reason but for unforseen circumstances there won't be a parade, there won't be a dog show and there won't be any fireworks.

"We're being inundated with phone calls about it. We're very sorry for all the residents and all the holidaymakers who come here at this time."

One entertainer who was due to attend this year's event said: "Everybody enjoys it, everybody looks forward to it, everybody gets involved.

"It was such good fun, it was always well-organised, always very safety-conscious, well set-up. It was part of the fabric of Hunstanton, everyone just assumed it would go ahead."

Rita Caldicott, who organised the carnival between 2000 and 2015, said: "I don't know anything, I'm quite perplexed really - it's a loss to the town."

The EDP understands there are no plans currently in place for next year's carnival. The event is traditionally held on the last Sunday in June.