WE will be back!

That was the pledge today from organisers of Trimley Carnival after they were forced to make the heartbreaking and difficult decision to cancel this year’s event.

It is believed to be the first time the carnival, due to have taken place on Saturday, has ever been called off.

Carnival chairman John Sills said it would return next year – when it was hoped it would be bigger and better than ever to make up for this year’s disappointment.

“We will be back next year,” he said.

“I know a lot of people have been left disappointed but the dreadful weather has been exceptional.”

The field at the Trimley Sports and Social Club in High Road, Trimley St Martin, which had been due to host 1,000-plus revellers to enjoy funfair rides, stalls, displays and other attractions, had been very wet.

“It was squelch, squelch, squelch everywhere you walked,” said Mr Sills.

“It was never going to dry in time for lorries and fairground attractions and would be unsafe. The only sensible course of action was to cancel the carnival.

“It’s a huge disappointment, especially after the nine months’ work which has gone into preparing for the day.”

Anita Warner, of The Hand in Hand pub, High Road, Trimley St Martin, said everyone was disappointed but accepted the decision.

“We had done quite a lot of work for our float but there is a lot you cannot do until the day when the lorry arrives. We are gutted because it is such a big day for the village and always such a lovely atmosphere,” she said.

“Everyone looks forward to it and there is such a good turn-out, but you cannot help the weather. It wouldn’t have been good for the sports club field to have been churned up by the lorries.

“Everyone who was due to be aboard our float understands; it’s just one of those things.”

On Friday night the pub threw a party so everyone could wear their winter Olympic costumes they were due to wear on the float.