BOURNEMOUTH will be caught up in carnival fever this August with a week-long festival of family fun.

Following the success of last year's event, organisers are confident that this year's celebrations will be bigger and better than ever.

Displays of disco and Irish dancing at Pier Approach on Monday, August 2 will kick-start a packed programme of live music, competitions and children's activities.

The Tuesday offers a choice of live music, with the Capricorn band presenting a country and western night at Pier Approach and the Swing Unlimited Big Band performing at the bandstand.

Members of the public will be able to try their hand at traditional Scottish dancing on the Wednesday while children and their teddy bears enjoy a picnic in the illuminated Bournemouth Gardens.

Would-be carnival queens and princesses will battle it out for the honour of leading the carnival procession on Thursday while lifeguards demonstrate their life-saving skills at Durley Chine.

Friday sees duck racing at the Bourne Stream and a musical tribute to the Blues Brothers and Sisters of Soul in the evening.

A contest to find the most appealing tiny tots and the most glamorous grannies will take place on Saturday.

And on Sunday, a colourful carnival procession throughout the town will ensure the event finishes with a flourish.

Organisers were delighted to see 54 floats take part in the procession last year and are hoping for a similar response this time around.

Tony Fail, secretary of the carnival committee, said: "I'm hopeful that the carnival procession will be one of the best we've seen.

"We were exceptionally pleased with the interest shown last year and hope this will carry on and enable us to raise lots of money for charity."

Anyone who would like to take part or support the carnival can contact Tony on 01202 510198 or Trevor Hunter on 01202 670183.

First published: May 25