Organisers of Swaffham Carnival are hoping to persuade a major pop star to open the event on July 17. The identity of the singer is being kept secret until all the details can be confirmed, but carnival chairman Paul Southerton is confident every-thing will go to plan.

Organisers of Swaffham Carnival are hoping to persuade a major pop star to open the event on July 17.

The identity of the singer is being kept secret until all the details can be confirmed, but carnival chairman Paul Southerton is confident every-thing will go to plan.

And he promised: "In any event, it's going to be a spectacular opening, with Chinese lion dancers setting off lots of firecrackers to get things going with a bang."

This year's theme for the traditional parade of floats is Back to the Future, and they leave Hamond's High School at 11.30am on a route around the town centre to Swaffham Rugby Club, where all the main arena events take place.

A medieval combat display, baby competition, belly dancing, martial arts, toy soldier marching band and Portuguese national dancers are part of the entertainment.

In the run-up to the big day, a children's pet show and painting competition are being held at Campinglands and a family fun day at the rugby club on Sunday July 10.

Among a host of other events during the week is the election of a carnival king and prince this year, for the first time, alongside a queen and princess at a fashion show at the George Hotel on July 11.

The Olive Tree Project for victims of domestic violence and St John Ambulance are the two charities benefiting from the carnival, organised by Swaffham Lions.

Mr Southerton said: "A lot of planning and a great deal of hard work has gone into this, and we're hoping it will be bigger and better than ever."