Margate's annual carnival procession will rock and roll its way around the town on Sunday afternoon (August 2) with one of the biggest processions in the south east.

At a time when carnival organisations are finding it hard to keep going in the face of the financial downturn, the Margate team continue to pull out all the stops to ensure that the seaside tradition remains a centrepiece of the town's summer events calendar.

Organiser Mick Tomlinson, who has worked with the event for 50 years, said: "Each year we hope to bring something special to the carnival in Margate - this year working with the Margate Charter Trustees, the Town Partnership, Thanet Leisure Force and Thanet District Council, the carnival will be spread over two days which will feature live entertainment on the piazza area of the seafront. I certainly believe that the people of Margate and visitors to the town will enjoy a full day of entertainment - and it's free."

The procession will highlight more entries than last year, with music, colour, traditional carnival queens and the popular roadshows from Notting Hill. Leading the parade will be the Margate Lest We Forget charity that will include retired members of the Gurkha Regiment, and the carnival girls with their new seaside-themed float.

The parade leaves the Royal Esplanade at Westbrook at 3pm and winds its way along the seafront to the finish at Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville.

The carnival dance will be at Margate Winter Gardens from 8pm and admission will be free.

For details contact: 01843 293733 or e-mail: margatecarivalgoup@btinternet.com