BRIDPORT is gearing up for carnival, one of the biggest events in the town's calendar.

Every year, carnival delights young and old with its creative and colourful parade before the torchlight procession lights up the streets to bring the weekend to a close.

This year, Bridport Carnival and torchlight procession take place on August 20-21, and there is still time to get involved.

A spokesperson for the event said: "The carnival is a highlight of the Bridport calendar.

"Bridport is a quirky, sociable, eclectic mix of people and groups, so let's see it reflected in our community carnival."

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On Monday, August 15, carnival kicks off with the crowning of Bridport's royalty, Willow Jeffrey and Oliver Barnett, both aged 8. As carnival royalty, they and their two attendants, Maisie Grace Loveless, aged 11, and Millie Frampton, aged 12, will lead the carnival procession on Saturday and the Torchlight Procession on Sunday.

On Tuesday there will be a quiz at The Ropemakers at 7.30pm and on Wednesday there will be bingo at Bridport Football Club at 7pm.

Thursday will have the Battle of the Buskers.

On Friday there will be a darts competition at the Bridport Football Club. Sign on from 7.00pm.

Saturday will kick off with music from the Wessex Band in Bucky Doo Square from 10am and a crabbing competition at the Angling Centre at 10.45am. The parade at 6.45pm has seen all sorts in past years, from those who dressed as King Henry and his six wives to a parody of the Red Arrows using wheel barrows named the 'red barrows'. At the end of the procession winners will be chosen for the best displays and be given trophies to mark their accomplishments. The evening will then be rounded off with dancing the the square until late.

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Sunday is the last day of the carnival and will have the extremely popular torchlit procession through the town, with the torches going on sale at 6pm. The procession will move off at 9pm for the beach where there will be dancing and a fireworks display to end the carnival.

The carnival is currently looking for more people to take part in the parade on Saturday.

The spokesperson said: "This is an opportunity to show just how artistic, creative, musical, silly and competitive you are.

"Nobody does the same entry twice, people can create something large on a float and have a themed entry, or a walking entry with a few dancers wearing costumes, perhaps they can push something or use a vehicle.

Entry forms are available from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre and more information can be found on the Bridport Carnival Website.