BRIDPORT Carnival is gearing up for another year with some changes in the pipeline.

Sunday’s Princess competition now includes a role for a Queen and, as last year, a Prince as well as the usual characters.

Entries can now be made on the day at the Conservative Club in North Street, where contestants for the event, will be showing off what they can do in front of independent judges, starting at 2.30pm.

But most significantly the route has changed and instead of lining up in St. Swithin’s Road the floats and carnival entries will be congregating in West Road and moving off at 7pm.

To add to the festive atmosphere the Wessex Military Band will play in Bucky Doo Square in the morning.

Also new this year will be the events leading up to the procession - the family bingo, quiz and darts competition will all be held during carnival week itself.

The procession on Saturday August 16 will be followed by a family disco in the Conservative Club and dancing in Bucky Doo Square.

Then on Sunday the hugely popular torchlight procession from the town hall to West Bay will leave at 9pm.

Torches will be on sale at the Town Hall from 6.30pm and when walkers get to the harbour there will be the usual bonfire and fireworks.

Preparations for the bonfire began in May when businesses are asked to save their pallets and any wood they have.

The carnival quiz is at the Ropemakers in West Street on Tuesday August 12 at 7.30pm.

The family bingo is in the Conservative Club in North Street on Wednesday August 13 at 7.30pm, the darts competition on Thursday August 14, also in the Conservative Club at 7.30pm. Entry forms for the carnival procession can be picked up from Mrs Sharon Fox, West Cliff Farm, West Bay, or from A G Down, South Street.

Carnival committee chairman Shaun Fox said: “Let's just hope for good weather and lots of entries to make it a wonderful carnival again this year.

“It is one of the highlights of the Bridport calendar and a lot of work goes into it and it deserves the town’s support.”

The committee has also appealed for the return of last year’s trophies, which can be dropped off at AG Down, 66 South Street, Bridport.