A RALLYING cry has gone out to the people of Beccles to get behind this year's carnival.

Organisers are putting the finishing touches to the event which takes place over the weekend of August 20 and 21.

Event organiser Annette Tackley issued a plea to local people to show their support.

She said: 'The carnival is nothing without the people, so we really need local people to come and support it. The carnival brings people to Beccles and is a really nice, positive thing to promote our town and bring everyone together.'

It is the last chance for entries for this year's procession and an appeal has gone out to clubs, pubs, organisations, businesses and individuals to get their entries in now.

The Beccles carnival procession dates back to the pre 1900s and is free to enter.

Beccles carnival secretary Yvette Tackley said: 'Each year we rely on local businesses, clubs, societies, organisations, and individuals to spend lot of time and effort preparing for their carnival float.

'Each year the quality and hard work shines through when thousands of people line the streets to watch the marching bands, majorettes, floats, walkers, vintage, and classic cars make their way around the historic route of Beccles town centre.'

Miss Tackley said the Harley Davidson club will be leading the carnival procession and then joining the static display on the quayside along with the other classic and vintage cars and steam engines.

The carnival's new route will start at 1pm on Sunday, leaving Rainbow car park, turning left into Gosford Road, left into Station Road, straight up into Market Street, left into New Market, left into The Walk, along Saltgate, into Northgate and finishing at Beccles Quay, Fen Lane.

The carnival kicks off on the Saturday with all the day's events taking place on Beccles Quay.

Entertainment includes the Beccles baby competition with prizes supplied by Picture Studios of Lowestoft and the annual teddy bears parade assembles from 1pm at the quayside bridge to walk to the stage arena.

Miss Beccles and her princesses will join the parade where there will be prizes for the best-dressed teddy. There will also be entertainment by Andy the clown.

Saturday's family fun will see K-SYL-R entertaining the children with dancing, fun games, and giveaways.

There will be family running races with medals for all winners and a children's fancy dress competition for youngsters aged five and under, five to eight and eight to 12.

A new event this year is the Glam Grandmother competition and back by popular demand is the chance to walk on water without getting wet in the giant inflatable hamster balls.

There will be a large number of stalls ranging from craft, wood turning, toys and gifts and food stands.

The weekend offers something for the whole family to enjoy with admission via donation.

Follow the carnival on Facebook or www.becclescarnival.co.uk or call 01502 715671.