Bexhill Carnival - it's here

It's been months in the planning and this year's event looks set to exceed all expectations.

The town centre will be bursting with cartoon capers tomorrow afternoon as the Carnival Procession makes its way through town from Sidley to the Polegrove.

But the celebrations actually start tonight at 6pm with Party In The Polegrove featuring The Fabulous 6Ts and The Rockin Berries.

It's hoped everyone will arrive in 60's fancy dress for an evening of groovy fun - entrance costs just 5 for adults and 2 for under-16s - and be "prepared to have a laugh".

Carnival Day itself begins at 1pm when the Procession, with more than 30 colourful and dramatic cartoon-themed floats, leaves Turkey Road and heads through Sidley to Holliers Hill.

The Procession will then pass along Bexhill Old Town then down Sea Road, along Buckhurst Road to Buckhurst Place, to Sackville Road then left up Western Road, Devonshire Road to the Marina where it will turn right and then pass along West Parade to Brockley Road and ending at the Polegrove.

Steve Bossom of Bexhill Carnival Committee said: "Hopefully it will be a great Procession. "The Polegrove is open from midday and we have an awful lot going on there - Charlie The Clown, a Tai Kwon Do display, gymnastics, Robertson Pipe and Drum Academy, Senlac High Steppers, and laser clay pigeon shooting."

Admission will cost just 1 per person.

The Carnival will be joined there by the Heart Angels from Heart FM who will be on hand giving out goodies and chances to win iTune vouchers.

The arrival of the Procession at the Polegrove is the moment the organisers look forward to according to Steve who has been involved in the event and its planning for four years.

He asked local residents, visitors and holidaymakers to make the most of this traditional town celebration.

Steve said: "Bexhill Carnival is the longest running traditional Carnival on this part of the coast. It would be a huge shame to lose it - it has been so well supported. We have people who come down here on holiday just because it is Bexhill Carnival Week - it has got a big following.

"What we would like is some people to volunteer to help us - I don't mean during the week of events but we could always do with people to join us and help plan it.

"Once you get into Bexhill Carnival it is always there - it does get in your blood. We have Carnival Courts travelling down to see us from all over because Bexhill Carnival has such a good reputation. I do think sometimes it is a pity the thown itself doesn't realise what it has got. We had the Bexhill 100 and that was lost...but Bexhill Carnival is still here - don't lose it.

"It is our biggest thing...but we could always do with some more help."

Shaws Carnival Funfair will be stays open today and tomorrow.

For further details and how to get involved, visit www.bexhill-carnival.co.uk.