Thousands expected for city's 'weekend street party'

The procession (pictured here in 2011) will feature the new Lord Mayor of Norwich, Vivien Thomas

Organisers of a city's annual civic celebration hope this year's event will be a "big party".

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Norwich as the city celebrates the Lord Mayor's Weekend.

The historic Lord Mayor's procession, featuring new Lord Mayor Vivien Thomas, will start at Norwich Cathedral at 15:00 BST on Saturday and end in Chapelfield Gardens.

The weekend's events include music performances and entertainment in Chapelfield Gardens and the Great Norwich Duck Race on the River Wensum at 14:30 on Sunday.

A series of road closures will be in place on Saturday across Norwich city centre.

Ted Leggett, culture and events manager at Norwich City Council, said the event will be a "big party".

"Our theme this year is Norwich loves you - we really wanted to celebrate what a wonderful community we have here in Norwich and how people really do look out for each other and make sure that everyone is safe and welcome in the city," he said.

"This is a way of showcasing all of those attitudes and for our new Lord Mayor to see the people of Norwich and for them to see the Lord Mayor."

Mr Leggett said the planning for next year's Lord Mayor's Weekend will begin on Monday.