Summer Carnival Cancelled

1 April 2011, 09:22 | Updated: 1 April 2011, 09:53

Heart's been hearing how one of East Anglia's biggest summer carnivals has been cancelled this year.

The organisers of Lowestoft Carnival have decided to put plans for their annual parade through the town on hold for a year while they sort out difficulties with the event. 

Friends of Lowestoft Hospital, who organise the carnival, said extra costs and traffic problems were to blame for the decision.

Pat Rayner, Chairman of the carnival, said: "The uncertainty has been giving us all sleepless nights, so The Friends committee met recently to make a final decision - which was not to organise a parade this year but to start planning now for 2012. We are all carnival enthusiasts and make the decision with a heavy heart and trust that our many supporters will understand."

It's hoped that by next year the rules and regulations for traffic management for carnival parades in Suffolk would be clearer and also any financial help available would be known.

Looking ahead to 2012, the committee has suggested the regular August date should be changed to a Sunday in June, to avoid any clashes with the London Olympics when there could be a lack of first aid personnel.

The annual Carnival Fete will still go ahead this year, taking place on Sunday 7th August on Royal Green. It will feature a host of arena event together with static displays, amusements and stalls.