Thousands of residents and visitors will line the streets to watch one of the world’s largest illuminated carnival processions tonight (Friday).
Large parts of the town centre will be shut off to make way for more than 80 carnival carts, walking entries and marching bands which are set to entertain audiences throughout the event.
The procession will start at 7.15pm at Locking Road Car Park and is set to head through Alfred Street, before turning left on to the Boulevard and onto Weston’s seafront.
The route will finish near the Town Hall and people are encouraged to give generously to charity collectors on the night, as the event is entirely volunteer run and funded.
Masqueraders Carnival Club (CC) won the County Cup trophy last year with their entry War Horse, alongside Huckyduck CC’s The Flying Dutchman cart and Beautiful Creatures by Harlequin CC picking up the top awards.
Last year collectors raised more than £14,000 from the event which went back into funding and running the carnival, with some also donated to Weston Hospicecare.
The carnival also donates to a number of other regional charities, including the RNLI and Weston Lions Club.
Road closures are set to be in place in various parts of the town from 6pm tonight, including those in Waterloo Street, South Parade, Hildesheim Bridge and more.
Vehicles will then not be able to access the town centre and on-street pay-and-display machines will be turned off from 2pm – meaning people can only park there until 4pm.
Locking Road Car Park is closed and will not re-open to the public until Sunday.
This year visitors to the carnival should also expect to see more LED lights used on various entries in a bid to make the event more energy efficient and cost effective.
Weston’s carnival committee is continually on the lookout for volunteers and if you would like to get involved as a marshal, email terrygilbert2047@gmail.com or call 07903 273214.
If you are watching the procession this year, feel free to take some colourful photos and upload them to www.iwitness24.co.uk – and they could appear in the paper and online.
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