Carnival-goers are being urged to bag a space early ahead of this year's Dereham Carnival parade.

Dereham Times: Dereham Carnival 2017. Picture : ANTONY KELLYDereham Carnival 2017. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

It is the third parade since its revival and will see Biscuit the deer, the carnival mascot, lead the way.

The route will remain the same as previous years to offer the best views of the town.

Starting at 11am at Greenfields Road, the floats will make their way along Norwich Road, Crown Road, Neatherd Road, Wellington Road, High Street, and London Road, before finishing at the Recreation Ground.

Carnival chairman Kerry Doyle said: 'Float applications have been coming in and we're excited once again to see the creations on the day.

Dereham Times: Dereham Carnival 2017. Picture : ANTONY KELLYDereham Carnival 2017. Picture : ANTONY KELLY

'This year we're hoping for sunshine rather than showers, and at the Market Place there will be an extra special feature as the floats pass through.

'Our crafters have also been working nonstop creating some amazing pieces.'

Before the parade, at around 10.45am, the one-mile fun run participants will be racing past the crowds along the route. Entries for this are still being accepted via the carnival website.

At the Market Place there will be opportunities to grab merchandise and make lots of noise as the parade passes. Vibe City will also be performing before they head over to the McDonald's Music Stage to play later.

Dereham Times: The Dereham Runners with Dereham Carnivals mascot, Biscuit the deer. Picture: MICHAEL LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY.The Dereham Runners with Dereham Carnivals mascot, Biscuit the deer. Picture: MICHAEL LYONS PHOTOGRAPHY. (Image: All Rights Reserved.)

Once the parade finishes at around 12.30pm, spectators are welcome to follow behind and make their way to the Recreation Ground to enjoy the rest of the fun-filled day.

Visitors on the day are also being encouraged to dig deep and throw a few coins in the direction of someone shaking a carnival bucket. The street collection is one of the biggest fundraisers on the day itself and proceeds get put back into future events.

The route map, designed by local artist Melissa Jermey, can be found on the carnival website.

There is also a float organisers meeting at 10am this Saturday July 7 at Strikes Bowling.

- If you would like to enter a float, head over to www.derehamcarnival.co.uk and click on the application hub. You will also find at the most up-to-date information about the carnival there.