A GRAND firework display will get Weston residents into the party spirit before the carnival winds its way through the town

A GRAND firework display will get Weston residents into the party spirit before the carnival winds its way through the town.

The mix of lasers and rockets will light up the seafront sky on Saturday ahead of the floats and performers that will take to the streets on Monday.

Music from Avon Glen Pipes and Drums and Uphill Bugels will lead out the procession of more than 125 entries, which will include around 60 different floats.

Most of the displays are made up of three trailers, all flaunting flashing lights, moving parts, music and, off course, performers in costume.

Dancers and masqueraders will also be walking between the glittering procession, which takes around two and half hours to pass by.

The Weston event is the last in a series of seven in the Somerset County Guy Fawkes Carnivals and is attended by carnival club members from all over the South West.

The clubs take the events very seriously and there is a lot of pride at stake, all wanting to win one of the 20 different competition classes.

The procession will follow a route starting from the Tesco roundabout, around the Plantation, past the Odeon and back along Alexandra Parade, Alfred Street, the Boulevard, Waterloo Street, Royal Parade, Beach Road and Carlton Street.

Carnival workers will be going around the crowds of around 100,000 collecting money and selling balloons and trinkets.

However, organisers are urging the public to be aware of bogus collectors.

All legitimate staff will be wearing a yellow sash and their bucket will have an official pink label on.

It is hoped that the whole event, which is organised by a committee of volunteers, will raise more than the £14,700 collected last year.

Those wanting to watch the firework display, which starts at 7pm, are advised to go to the area between Knightstone Island and the Grand Pier, where it can be best viewed.

The carnival will kick off two days later with musical performances at 7.15pm, for the procession to start at 7.30pm.

A grandstand near the Tourist Information Centre on the seafront will be available for those seeking a bit more comfort.

Seats can be booked in advance on 01162 692117.

Anyone wanting to help at the event can call the carnival line on 01934 629888.