Dereham set to rock with this year’s carnival

Carnival fever is heating up in Dereham.

This will be the third year the event has been put on following its revival after a 22-year gap.

Organisers have vowed to make it bigger and better than before and have kicked off the festivities with an activity to get the whole town involved.

Dereham Carnival Rocks is the latest initiative.

Inspired by the hugely popular Norfolk Rocks group, people are being encouraged to hide decorated rocks around Dereham, ahead of carnival day.

If found, the luckily individuals are asked to take a picture of themselves with the rock and share it to the Facebook group, Dereham Carnival Rocks. It can then be rehidden or taken home.

Janet Fowler, a member of Dereham Carnival Crafters, has designed a special 'Biscuit' rock in honour of the much-loved reindeer mascot. It has been hidden somewhere in the town and a clue to its location is on the Facebook page.

As well as the rocks, the committee has organised a bonanza of events including a fun run, the crowning of carnival royalty, a market with entertainment, and a project by the crafters. Biscuit will also be helping to spread the excitement in the run up to the big day.

Last year 39 floats took part. This year's parade, which takes place on July 22 at 11am, will start at Greenfields Road, working its way to Norwich Road, Crown Road, Neatherd Road, and Wellington Road, before making its way through High Street and finishing near the junction of London Road and Station Road.

Carnival chairman Kerry Doyle said: 'The aim of the carnival is about enjoying and taking part in things to do with our town.

'We are so lucky where we live - you're 45 minutes from Thetford forest and the same distance from the beach - and we want to get the whole town involved, especially the kids, and show them a town they can be proud of.'

- More information and the rules about Dereham Carnival Rocks can be found on the Facebook page.

- For up-to-date information on the carnival visit www.derehamcarnival.co.uk.

- Are you excited about this year's Dereham Carnival? Write to the editor at The Community Editor, Dereham and Fakenham Times, Office 440, Breckland Business Centre, Saint Withburga Lane, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1FD or email dft.letters@archant.co.uk.