Those in charge of this year's Eastern Lights Motorcycle Cavalcade, from Norwich to Lowestoft via Yarmouth, said the event would have to be cancelled after they were given a licence deadline they said was impossible to meet.

Those in charge of this year's Eastern Lights Motorcycle Cavalcade, from Norwich to Lowestoft via Yarmouth, said the event would have to be cancelled after they were given a licence deadline they said was impossible to meet.

Police had said they would withdraw their cover if a temporary road closure licence was not obtained, and gave them just three weeks notice.

There was hope for the future of the event over the weekend when police pledged to work with organisers.

But now, Eastern Lights confirmed it was too late for this year's cavalcade and that in future years the cost of obtaining a licence ruled out any more events.

Paul Howard, organising committee chairman for Eastern Lights, said: “We won't be having any more future events; it's the end of Eastern Lights.

“I feel sorry for the bikers who've supported us, and for the thousands of people who line the streets and watch us.

“It's a great event and it generates trade in Lowestoft and Norwich.”