For the first time since 2001, a carnival procession will wend its way through the streets of Diss as part of the town carnival on Sunday, June 22.Businesses, youth organisations, community groups and individuals are all being urged to join the fun to ensure the carnival's return is a success.

For the first time since 2001, a carnival procession will wend its way through the streets of Diss as part of the town carnival on Sunday, June 22.

Businesses, youth organisations, community groups and individuals are all being urged to join the fun to ensure the carnival's return is a success.

The aim is to pull the community together, while showing off Diss's unique charms to a wider audience.

Hopes are high that the event will become a week-long festival of all that is good about Diss, but for the first year organisers are concentrating on making it a memorable weekend.

Proms in the Park, organised by Diss Rotary Club, kicks-off Carnival Weekend in style in Diss Park on Saturday, June 21, with other events planned throughout the day.

Sunday's main event is the procession of floats but there will also be musical entertainment, children's races, displays and stalls among many other attractions.

The float procession route starts and finishes at Diss Town Football Club's Brewers Green Lane ground and travels through town via Roydon Road, St Nicholas Street, Pump Hill, Mere Street, Park Road, Denmark Street and back along Roydon Road.

Council car parks will be open and there will be additional parking available at Gaze's auction rooms, Roydon Road.

Sunday's musical concert has seen rock star Rick Wakeman offer to help organise some of the groups on show.

Star of the show will be the Carnival Queen, who will be selected by a panel of judges at a disco evening at the Park Hotel on Friday, April 18.

Diss Rugby Club has offered its services for a tug-of-war challenge and the Black Belt Academy has said members will do a display.

A dog rescue team has offered to hold a demonstration in the Mere, while several bands are keen to take part in the grand parade of floats and Diss Army Cadets have also offered their support.

As a community event, everyone is welcome to get involved both in organising and publicising the event and on the day. Anyone can attend the next carnival committee meeting on Thursday, April 3, in the Council Chambers at Diss Corn Hall, 7.15pm.

Sponsors are needed for various parts of the carnival weekend, including float and fancy dress prizes. Contact Ms Trippett-Jones with any offers, 01379 652352 or email jtrippettjones@aol.com

To advertise in the carnival programme, contact Ron Raisey, 01379 658006.

East Anglia Air Ambulance and the Diss Christmas Lights Appeal will benefit from the profits of the carnival.

For more details about the carnival weekend, contact Jane Trippett-Jones, 01379 652352, by e-mail jtrippettjones@aol.com or town clerk Deborah Sarson at Diss Town Council, 01379 643848, e-mail towncouncil@diss.gov.uk