NCFC supporters call for help to create a ‘carnival atmosphere’ with banners and inflatable canaries

The flag designs by Ben Stokes. Photo: Ben Stokes (Image: Archant)

The Barclay End Norwich is hoping to improve the atmosphere inside the stadium following comments about how quiet fans had become.

As a result, it wants people to bring their voices, banners and inflatable canaries for City's first Championship home game on Sunday.

The group has asked fans to meet outside Wetherspoons on Riverside prior to the game before walking to the stadium 'en masse'.

It comes after supporters hired a boat on the River Thames last weekend as City took on Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The flag designs by Ben Stokes. Photo: Ben Stokes (Image: Archant)

Andy Lawn, co-founder of the supporters' website Along Come Norwich, said: 'A lot of fans felt the atmosphere was not great last season, and a few believe it has been deteriorating for a while.

'So groups like the Barclay End has looked at examples from other clubs on how to improve it.

'The first kind of step was the boat to Fulham on Saturday. It was really well received and it created a colourful party atmosphere.'

The supporters' group said around 100 people were on the boat, and it led to a 'brilliant atmosphere' at Fulham's away end.

Mr Lawn, who is also a Barclay End Norwich member, hoped Sunday's event would help replicate the mood.

He said: 'We want it to be almost like a street party, with loads of colours and singing. We don't want any of it to be threatening or anti-Sunderland.

'Instead it is about being positive and supporting Norwich.'

Mr Lawn believed there were a number of factors resulting in a lack of atmosphere at Carrow Road last season.

But he said the main one was that fans who wanted to sing were not all together, and were instead mixed with those who did not.

Also planned for Sunday's game is the unveiling of a number of new flags, including one featuring city boss Daniel Farke.

One of the more eye catching designs, which Mr Lawn said will be displayed in the future, features Alan Partridge with the caption 'Back of the net!'.

Fans are invited to meet outside Wetherspoons on Riverside from 12.30pm on Sunday.

They are asked to bring their banners, colours and singing voices.