The Evening News is today calling on YOU to help us make this year's Lord Mayor's Procession the best one yet.
Even though there are still several months until July's procession, the highlight of The Lord Mayor's Celebrations weekend, work is beginning now on the dozens of floats which entertain the thousands gathered.
Therefore we are today launching a campaign to encourage work places, community groups, charities and even groups of friends to get together and enter a float.
Over the past couple of years the number of floats involved in the parade has fallen from about 80 to 60.
The campaign launched by the paper hopes to get the numbers involved back up to its heyday for the enjoyment of everyone in the fine city and beyond.
Over the next few weeks we'll be giving you all the tips and information you need to design a float - as well as speaking to those who have already signed up for the July 4 procession.
And, of course, the Evening News will be getting involved itself, with work already underway to decide on the theme that will follow last years GoGoGorillas float.
David Powles, assistant editor of the Evening News, said: 'The Lord Mayor's Celebration weekend remains one of the highlights of the year in Norwich. I have memories as a child of colourful float after float flying past and it's fantastic that two decades on it remains such a special occasion.
'The Evening News had its own float last year and it was so much fun to be part of the event and see so many people in the crowd enjoying the fruits of our labour.
The history of the procession dates back to medieval times when it used to be a celebration of the St George's feast day and the latest incarnation started in 1977.
The procession is a mix of floats, marchers, dancers and carnival acts and delights crowds of more than 20,000.
Mr Powles added: 'I would encourage anyone to get involved, whether it be through work, a community group or club. It's a great way to build up a rapport with a team and have fun doing something worthwhile.
'We're already busy planning this year's float and I hope many other people will react to our call to arms by doing the same.'
Brenda Arthur, leader of Norwich City Council, said: 'Every year it's the fabulous effort from the community with float entries that really brings the carnival spirit to life.
'I hope people across the city feel inspired to come together and get involved. Let's make 2015 the biggest and best year yet.'
WHY SHOULD YOUR ORGANISATION GET INVOLVED?
• Fun
Above everything else the event is all about having fun and there is no better way to enjoy the weekend than getting involved in the procession.
Yvonne Cutting, principal owner of Yvonne's School of Dance, said: 'It is quite a big commitment to be involved in but a really nice and fun thing to do in the community and the children love it.
'For many of our dancers it is probably the biggest event they will ever be involved with in terms of the crowd size.'
• Showing off
Whether it is an incredible float or showcasing talent, the event is a great way to demonstrate your fantastic commitment.
The Chermond School of Gymnastics has been involved with every procession since the were reintroduced in 1977.
Cherie Alcock, the school's joint director of coaching, said she thinks it is a celebration of Norwich 'The young people involved wouldn't miss it for the world,' adding: 'They enjoy showing off their talents and can encourage others to take up gymnastics.'
• Exposure
Creating a float for the procession will see your organisation going through the heart of the city in front up tens of thousands of people.
Bill Miller, education and engagement manager at St Eds Society, a charity which aims to improve employability for young people, said: 'We often have enquiries.'
• Love your city
The Lord Mayor's Weekend is easily the biggest weekend in the city's calendar and it is a chance to celebrate all things Norwich.
Steve Temple, the owner of In Touch Systems, an IT company, usually organises the pirate-themed float which ends the procession.
He said: 'As a child I grew up in Norwich and this was a great event. When I had a daughter I wanted to get involved with the procession.'
He said it should be a sense of civic duty to get involved: 'We all work and make money in Norwich and we should give something back to the people of the city.'
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
• Closing date for entries is Tuesday 16 June.
• This year's Lord Mayor's Celebration runs from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 July.
• The procession starts at 5pm on Saturday 4 July.
• Are you going enter a float this year? We want to hear from you. Please contact: george.ryan@archant.co.uk
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