Carnival organisers are hoping for a bumper turnout when Diss holds its popular summer extravaganza on Sunday. Last year's re-launched event saw an estimated 5,000 people crowd the streets to see the colourful parade of floats, and then pack out the town football ground for an afternoon of merriment.

Carnival organisers are hoping for a bumper turnout when Diss holds its popular summer extravaganza on Sunday.

Last year's re-launched event saw an estimated 5,000 people crowd the streets to see the colourful parade of floats, and then pack out the town football ground for an afternoon of merriment.

This time, more attractions are planned as the carnival committee looks to build on the success of 2008. And initial fears that on-going road works at Market Hill could disrupt the procession look to have been allayed.

County council spokesman John Birchall told the Mercury: 'We knew the carnival would be taking place during this work, so have been planning to make sure the street is as clear as possible for the event.

'Fortunately we are well ahead of schedule and one side is already complete and open. The other side won't be finished before the carnival, and the pavements will be somewhat restricted. But we will make sure that everything is tidied up and as clear as possible for the big day.'

Carnival co-ordinator Doreen Collins said: 'I think it really is going to be a good event. We have got many more food outlets and children's entertainment, which we didn't have last year, so we are building on the success of 2008.

'We have got line dancing at the Mere's Mouth and the Hoxon 100 Morris dancers in the Market Place an hour before the procession, which goes through at 1pm. And several of the cafes will be open in the town, and some of the shops.'

She added: 'We had a huge response last year. The people of Diss did take on the challenge and there is more to do this year, so let's get it on a roll now and it will become an annual event.'

The family fun day will again take place at the football ground at Brewers Green Lane, with vintage cars, hot rods, dray and shire horses, bouncy castle, roundabout and magic show among the attractions. Arena displays include martial arts, gymnastics and dancing, and there will be live music by local bands.

The carnival programme, priced �2 gives entry to the fun day and the chance to win a flight in a vintage aircraft at Old Buckenham - on sale at local outlets or from a stall on the Market Place tomorrow and Saturday. Entrance on the day will be �3, children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult.

Attleborough is holding its summer carnival at the Thieves Lane recreation ground from 12.30pm on Saturday, where family fun is also on the agenda with a circus skills workshop, strongman show, gymnastics display, sponsored pool marathon and lots of sideshows and stalls.

Entry is �2, under 16s free, and people can stay all day and continue into the evening with the party in the park at 6pm.