THOUSANDS are expected to turn out tomorrow (Saturday) for a packed programme of events at Canvey Carnival.

Up to 3,000 people are expected to line the streets to enjoy the parade packed with colourful floats from noon.

This year’s carnival king, Alexander Forster, eight, from Winter Gardens Primary School, will be joined by queen Jessica Oldroyd, eight, from William Read Primary School.

The pair won their crowns after writing poems based on the theme carnival. They will be joined by 30 floats and groups during the procession across the island.

Queens and princesses of years gone by will also join in the fun, with carnival queen of 1971, Shirley Coates, 59, enlisting her 91-year-old auntie, who was a carnival princess in 1948 to help lead the way.

Zoe Watson, carnival organiser, said: “It’s an event that is free. Everyone can join in and, fingers crossed, the sun is going to shine.”

Money raised from the carnival will go to charities National Coast Watch and Friends of Concord Beach. They receive 25 per cent each of the street collection and the remaining 50 per cent is shared between organisations that applied for cash.

PARADE ROUTE

THE parade will start from Thorney Bay Holiday Park, setting off at noon, travelling up Craven Avenue, right into Long Road, left at the Haystack into Furtherwick Road. It will then go through the town, round the one-way system turning left back into Furtherwick Road and down to the seafront, turning right at the Labworth field returning to Thorney Bay Holiday Park.

The parade is expected to last two hours.

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS AT LABWORTH FIELD

Noon – 1.20pm DJ Darren’s Disco’s

1.20pm – 1.30pm Sophie and Scarlett

1.30 pm – 1.55pm Talents Stage School

1.55 pm – 2.15pm Mala Dance

2.15 pm – 2.45pm Female Vocalist – Chantelle Pasqualle

2.45 pm – 3.00pm Canvey Crystals Majorettes

3pm – 3.15pm Karizma Dance School

3.15 pm – 3.30pm Golden Eagles Majorettes

3.30pm – 3.45pm Cartwheels Gymnastics

3.45pm – 3.55pm Matt and Callum

4pm – 4.30pm the Full on Heroes

4.30pm – 4.35pm Lucky Programme Draw

4.35pm – 5pm the Full on Heroes l3rd Canvey Island Carnival Companion Dog Show – entries from 1pm, judging starts at 2pm. Pedigree and novelty classes.