MORE glitter and make-up than you can shake a pom pom at, more music and dance than you'd find in a nightclub and enough people, young and old, to create a serious racket. It could only mean one thing - carnival time!

The Southend Carnival queen and her princesses were busy earlier this week, lending their presence to a dog show and the funfair in Chalkwell Park, but this weekend is the highlight of their social calendar.

On Saturday, August 18, the carnival procession will be lighting up the streets of Southend for the 101st time, as it travels from Chalkwell, past the Pier until stopping in Eastern Esplanade.

"It's still going strong and is just as popular with young children as it's always been," says Alan Jones, acting chairman and carnival court manager.

"Unfortunately, we don't have the illuminations this year, but at least that means the floats will stand out a lot more."

More than 50 groups have already applied to appear in the procession, with more expected to join in throughout the week.

Community arts organisation Sit and Fidget will be donning their Notting Hill carnival-style costumes - a regular contribution to the procession that always goes down a treat.

While Art of the Village, a group from the shops at Southchurch Village, will also be making a colourful appearance.

In addition, no less than ten visiting carnival courts will also be in the parade, as well as the glamorous Miss Essex and Miss Dover.

The procession should leave Chalkwell shelter at 7.45pm, passing Southend Pier at around 8.30pm and arriving at the Castle Pub, in Eastern Esplanade at around 10pm. Meanwhile, at around 9pm the seafront will become lit up with the grand firework display.

All money raised at the carnival is destined for local charities, with the bulk going to StrokeBusters at Southend Hospital.

Queen Kristie Cox said: "Carnival is a great opportunity for local people to have a great day out and give something back to their town ,especially this year to the StrokeBusters appeal which hopes to establish a hi-tech stroke treatment unit at Southend Hospital."

For more information, log on to the site www.southend-on-seacarnival.org.uk