A big cover-up is being planned at Sheringham this summer in a bid to weather-proof parts of the carnival.A large tented roof will be strung up in Lifeboat Plain outside the Oddfellows Hall for the busy week in August.

A big cover-up is being planned at Sheringham this summer in a bid to weather-proof parts of the carnival.

A large tented roof will be strung up in Lifeboat Plain outside the Oddfellows Hall for the busy week in August.

During the day it will host a new set of art and craft sessions for youngsters including painting, pottery and screen printing by Colin Seal of the town's arts trail.

At night the area will be used for music events ranging from songs by the local Shantymen to drumming by Trix 'n' Stix.

Carnival spokesman Maureen Cook said weather could be a problem, so the covered area was a bid to counter that, and could be used to house other events if the need arose.

Three years ago the main midweek parade day was cancelled after a huge thunderstorm, and had to be held on the following Sunday.

Carnival organisers are toying with making a full time switch from Wednesday to Saturday in a bid to make it easier for people to enter floats, but no decision would be made until next month's meeting, added Mrs Cook.

This year's event has other new events, including a mass Sunday morning swim aimed at luring a record number of people into the surf.

It was also hoped to have a tug of war competition if there was enough support from clubs and pubs wanting to enter teams. Other sporting events include a youth cricket festival, golf, tag rugby, five-a-side football, bowls and darts.

The local horticultural society was also returning to carnival week with its summer show, and an extra fun fair was planned for the seafront Chequers car park.

Carnival week runs from August 1-9 with the parade day on Wednesday August 5, but the action begins next month with the selection of the carnival queen at the Crown on May 5.

Information about the carnival programme is available at www.sheringhamcarnival.co.uk

Anyone wanting to take part in the tug of war should contact Charles Sanders on 01263 823401 before May 9.