Families and visitors to Deal are preparing for a three-night run of fun thanks to organisers of the annual Regatta Week.

A new event has been added to the already packed programme for the first time in more than two decades.

The Caribbean Beach Party will be held from 7pm until 11pm on Friday - making it the final event of the week.

Offering live ska and reggae music from DJ Olas Boss and hot food including jerk chicken, it will take over the promenade and beach between The Royal Hotel and The Pier.

It follows on from the Party on The Prom tonight (Wednesday) and Deal Carnival tomorrow (Thursday).

John Trickey, chief executive of Deal Community Carnival Association, said: "We haven't added a new event like this since the introduction of the Party on the Prom in 1996 and then the Teddy Bear's Picnic in 1997.

"This was actually the idea of the Woolls family who are our long standing major sponsors and it is celebrate Mick Woolls' 70 years in Deal.

"There's always a real dip once the carnival is over and we hope this will give people one last thing to look forward to.

"We think it's going to be a spectacular family event. We plan to continue it every year."

Party on the Prom action starts at 6pm tonight on the seafront by The Royal Hotel, starring music from Moroccan Mole and Johnny B.

The popular carnival will commence from the beginning of The Strand at 7pm tomorrow.

It will be led by Deal Regatta Queen Macie Stanford and her court.

More than 50 groups will be taking part.

New floats joining dance troupes and musicians include Rotary Pirates, St Winifred's Care Home, Deal Town American Football and Cycle Friendly Deal.

This year there is a new designated viewing area for wheelchair users at the apron to Deal Pier.

Access is by free ticket only available from Deal Mobility in Queen Street.

Mr Trickey added: "The whole week costs £16,000 with the bands, staging, road closures and insurance so please support us and give generously."

"We're in the midst of a heatwave so please make sure you've got plenty of water and sun cream.

"Also I ask spectators not to throw coins or liquids."

For more information, pick up a programme for £1 from various outlets including the Mercury office in Queen Street, Deal.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal