Hunstanton and District Rotary Club have held a carnival and parade in the town for many years, raising money for good causes in the community.

However, this year the club decided to focus attention on the Norton Hill Light Railway weekend at Snettisham tomorrow and Sunday and the 12th annual kite festival in Hunstanton on Sunday, August 17.

President John Hunt told the Lynn News: "Three major events in the summer, each quickly following the other, was too much to cope with."

Hunstanton residents and business people have stepped into the breach to organise an event for next year.

Called the "New People's Carnival 2009" a provisional date of Sunday, June 28, has been agreed.

Early ideas include a King and Queen of the Carnival, as well as singing, dancing and drama.

It will also be a charity fundraiser.

Chairman of the carnival committee, mum-of-two Rita Caldicott, called loss of the carnival a "travesty".

"A committee has been set up by local parents, businesses, representatives from the Princess Theatre and interested individuals to plan and prepare for the new carnival," said Miss Caldicott.

Two meetings have already been held.

"The carnival will be a celebration of what we have in Hunstanton," said Miss Caldicott. "We are going to have a people's carnival."

Last year's carnival marked the end of the hugely-successful Hunstanton and District Festival of Arts.

It is hoped the new carnival will also have an arts festival link.