Colin Flack, chairman of the carnival committee, said he was dismayed to find one of the banners stolen and another shredded.

And he said the incident, in Station Road East, Stowmarket, on Monday night, had led to worries that carnival-goers may not get the message that the event had been moved forward this year, to July 11-13.

"The annoying thing is that the banner is not a lot of use to anyone else and they cost about £100 to replace," he said.

"Mindless vandalism like this doesn't help the cause, particularly this year, as the carnival is a week earlier than usual so we're trying to put publicity in prominent places."

The stolen banner was removed from Mr Flack's own business, Adullams Cave, while the vandalised banner was hung outside Econorent car rentals.

This year's carnival, which costs £2 for adults and £1 for children to enter on the Saturday and Sunday, and is free on Friday night, will be the town's 47th.

Last year, organisers raised £5,000 which was split between local charities – but the committee fears the loss of the banners could lead to a lower turn-out, which would mean less money raised.

Mr Flack made a plea to the vandals and asked then to return the stolen banner.

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