A sponsored walk, music and 1950s-themed fancy dress will form part of a day of fun at a special inaugural event.

The Alzheimer's Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group has finalised plans for its Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk – with entertainment aplenty transforming the Royal Green this Sunday, October 1.

The event will be opened by the deputy mayor of Lowestoft, Peter Knight, with popular Pleasurewood Hills mascot Woody Bear leading the walk at 11am.

Adam Noble, general manager of Pleasurewood Hills, said: 'We are pleased to support the Defeat Dementia fun day. Woody Bear is looking forward to the day and will be on the start line to cheer people on as they set off for the walk.'

The event will run with a 1950s theme and people are being invited to arrive in 50s style fancy dress, with a competition judged in the afternoon by local author Davina Baron.

With registration for the free sponsored walk taking place at 10am, walkers will head out at 11am, making their way along the seafront to Kensington Gardens and then back to the Royal Green.

Suzan Collins, chairman of the Lowestoft Fundraising Group, said: 'Everyone knows someone who has or has had dementia. There are many types and it doesn't discriminate on who it hits. It's a very sad disease and we need to raise money to carry out more research. I would like to say a big thank you to our team and thank everyone in advance for coming. We couldn't do it without you.'

Local group Lowestoft Longshoremen will be entertaining the crowds throughout the day, along with Emily K – a semi professional cabaret singer.

With a quiz, raffle and 50s tea dance starting at 3pm, there will also be various craft stalls, face painting, a photo booth, games, classic cars, a tombola and refreshments available all day.

Jessica Sayer, regional fundraising officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said: 'We are so excited for Lowestoft Fundraising group's first event and can't thank the group enough for supporting Alzheimer's Research UK in honour of the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK.'

For further information and walk sponsorship forms, visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/lowestoft or email aruklowestoft@gmail.com

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ARUKLowestoft