Wells is gearing up for its biggest day of the year as tens of thousands of people flock to the town for the annual carnival parade.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Next The Sea Carnival 2018. Photo: cycoze.comWells Next The Sea Carnival 2018. Photo: cycoze.com (Image: cycoze.com)

The colourful procession this Saturday will be the culmination of a week of events, which started last Saturday as the bells rang out and the town's duck race was held.

Competitors modified a wooden duck to float it to the finish. Shortly after came bigger handmade crafts, as the raft race brought children and adults splashing out along the quay.

The wooden fishing boat regatta on Sunday saw an 83-year-old vessel join with 15 others, as visitors met with owners to learn about the crab and whelk industry in the area.

The town fete saw growers, bakers and crafters in a produce competition as the Fakenham Town Band played on. Carnival queen Kelly White was crowned shortly before the tug of war broke out.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Next The Sea Carnival 2018. Photo: cycoze.comWells Next The Sea Carnival 2018. Photo: cycoze.com (Image: cycoze.com)

While school is on holiday, workshops on Monday taught carnival-goers about wildlife, space, history and throwing the perfect pot. Organisers thanked two area DJs for 'beaming in' to save the space disco at the last moment, when the original DJ could not attend.

Children also attended the musical workshop on Tuesday, before adults sang with the Congregational Church. In the evening, singers performed popular songs from the movies at The Maltings, while The Albatros hosted another night of live music.

Wednesday will see dogs turn out for their show, and the lifeboat station's open evening will take place a short distance from the beach cafe party.

On Thursday, beach builders will compete in a sandcastle competition at 2pm, while competitive and fun runs set off at 6pm.

Eastern Daily Press: Scenes from the procession around town of Wells Carnival Parade 2013. Picture: Matthew Usher.Scenes from the procession around town of Wells Carnival Parade 2013. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2013)

Friday brings a free bike ride through Pinewoods and Holkham Park, while a colourful puppet show begins at half past noon.

On Saturday, entertainment starts at 11.30am with the main carnival procession begining at 3pm. The junior town crier will be crowned at 4.30pm, before the final night party begins.

The festival will conclude with a commemoration of the fire in Wells church, which happened 140 years ago. The light show and beacon lighting begins at 9pm, and will bring the festival to a close for another year.

Full details of all events can be found on the Wells Carnival website.