Marching bands will be back to beat the rhythm of this year's Lowestoft carnival, as the colourful procession weaves through the town this Sunday (3pm).

Marching bands will be back to beat the rhythm of this year's Lowestoft carnival, as the colourful procession weaves through the town this Sunday.

After an experiment with using recorded music last time around, event organisers have reacted to popular demand to bring back live music to escort up to 40 decorated floats and wacky fancy dress characters through the streets.

After last year's absence, the sound of the Ambassadors of Borrowash showband and the Long Eaton Militaires will be welcomed back to join local favourites the Suffolk Samba Band, the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums, the Lowestoft Scout and Guide Band and the Lowestoft ATC Band.

Carnival committee member, Mick Howes, said: “The bands were a strong favourite, and had always been a part of the carnival, so it's great to have them back.

“There will also be majorettes and a range of floats so it should be a bumper procession.

“There is no theme this year, so people can use their imagination to make it a really attractive parade - our entrants really put a lot of effort into their creations.”

Led by carnival queen Emma Cooper and attendants Samantha Symonds and Laura Foster, the procession will leave Kirkley Park Road at 3pm, moving along London Road South and over the bridge before arriving at its new finish point at the roundabout of Katwijk Way and Gordon Road.

Floats will be judged by the Lowestoft Lions before the parade moves off, with all categories competing for the right to display the coveted Best On The Move shield as they move along the route.

Organisers are hoping for a generous bucket collection to benefit the Friends of Lowestoft Hospital.

Mr Howes said: “We raised £5,000 last year, so if we can beat that then everyone will be happy.”

“No waiting” cones will be positioned along both sides of the London Road South section of the carnival route for public safety. Residents are being asked to move their cars to different parking spaces to enable the procession to pass.

Police have asked carnival fans not to spoil the fun by hurling or spraying water during the parade. Last year there were isolated cases of water bombs and large water pistols being used, and this year offending floats risk being removed from the procession.

A week of festivities continues tonight, Friday, with the Lowestoft Sea Anglers Society carnival fishing match at South Pier. The draw is at 6.30pm, with angling action between 7-9pm.