Get ready to party at Bexhill Carnival

The Procession on Saturday is the highlight of Carnival week as it leaves Turkey Road at 1pm and snakes off towards the town centre before settling in the Polegrove for the afternoon.

Groups, individuals and organisations around town are already putting finishing touches to their floats this year inspired by the theme Films, which could mean anything from The Sound Of Music to Return of The Jedi.

The excitement of the Procession is then followed by an afternoon of entertainment in the Polegrove where a number of attractions await to suit all tastes and age groups - Hastings Hospital Radio Roadshow, a display by 1066 Gymnastics Academy, Robertson Pipe and Drum Academy, the Senlac Highsteppers, Dyamond Dance, Mr Bumble, and 1066 Falconry.

There will also be a family fun dog show which starts at 3.30pm after the judging of the floats in the main arena.

Local judges David and Jenny Highams are to put their 41 years of dog training experience towards what will be a hugely popular attraction, with classes such as best veteran, dog most like its owner, and Best Bexhill Bitch. Entrance for each class is 1 at the ring, so bring your favourite pooch along for the fun.

It's not too late to get involved in Bexhill Carnival - teams can rock up on the day and take part in the procession although only those floats officially entered by this coming Wednesday will be included in the judging.

"Anyone can just turn up and take part on the day," said Carnival committee member George Coleman.

"And we are always looking for volunteers to rattle tins to collect money for our chosen charities, which this year are Little Common Playgroup, Homecall, and Children With Cancer Make A Wish."

George became involved in the running of Bexhill Carnival through his link with Bexhill Lions club and believes local support is "really important".

He commented: "This is probably the biggest event in Bexhill that gets most people involved - the biggest participation event in the town now. I think it is very important to keep these things going."

As ever there is a week of build-up towards Carnival Day itself, which a church service on Sunday at the Colonnade, a football tournament organised by Brighton and Hove FC at the Polegrove on Monday and Tuesday, the Pram Push on Tuesday at 2.30, the boot sale at the Polegrove on Thursday evening from 6pm with a charge of 5.50 for cars and 7.50 for vans, and then the family fun night at the Polegrove on Friday.

The Party In the Polegrove has proved the ideal way to launch Carnival weekend, and this year will feature Abba tribute band Abba Arrival, preceded by local retro favourites the 6T's and their crowdpleasing tunes.

The Polegrove will open at 6pm when people can start enjoying the rides and thrills of Shaw's fun fair, and the entertainment starts around 7pm compered by David Byrne, aka Del Boy, ducking and diving to amuse the crowd between the live music guests.

The evening will be rounded off by a fireworks display at 10pm organised by Phoenix Fireworks. Admission to Party In The Polegrove casts 5 for adults, 2 for under-16, and a group ticket (2 adults and 2 under-16) costs 12.

To enter a float or for more details call 01424 736641.