The revived parade was saved from extinction in its 50th year last month following meetings between Coun Eddy Poll and organisations including the Lincolnshire Free Press, South Holland District Council and MP for South Holland and the Deepings John Hayes.

And parade backers have plumped for experience by appointing Mr Norton, who was event organiser between 2000 and 2007 before Spalding Flower Parade and Carnival Trust took over

Mr Norton, who is also Chief Executive of Springfields Horticultural Society, organised the World Tulip Summit in 2008.

He said he was thrilled that the show is back in its rightful place on Lincolnshire's calendar and would be contacting the trust, councils and key partners to fulfill people's expectations for the revised event.

He said: "We are looking to link the parade in with other events in Spalding town centre, such as entertainment, a market and a food fair involving Tastes of Lincolnshire.

"The hope is to include more businesses and members of the community to create a bigger three-day festival involving music, dance and arts, while retaining the floral element to keep the link with the region's bulb growing history.

"This needs to be a celebration event of everything which represents our successful business organisations as well as our culture, community and heritage, and we are already reviewing linking these with long-term possibilities beyond the 2009 parade."

A five-year plan is being instigated to make the festival sustainable with a possible base in Spalding containing a training centre for skills such as traditional crafts.

A permanent home for the show could include bays where floats are built, a viewing gallery, a parade history area, and a "virtual float ride".

It is also hoped an all-year tourist attraction would generate Government funding to be combined with float sponsorship and advertisement revenue.

The Trust is looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to its event at Springfields next year, featuring new static displays, flower exhibitions and entertainment.

Lincolnshire County Council executive member for economic development Eddy Poll added: "The Spalding Parade brings huge economic benefits as well as great community spirit.

"We are now working to keep the event relevant to the district and county and, with wider support and involvement, are confident we can make the festival self-financing in the future."

Coun Poll also thanked the Lincolnshire Free Press for its help in promoting the return of the parade.