Beccles Carnival 2017 day one: Carnival fever looks set to sweep quayside

Darling doggies, bonny babies and fabulous fancy dress will be among the star attractions today, as carnival fever gets set to grip Beccles.

Beccles Carnival Weekend, the annual event that transforms the quayside into a haven of family fun, gets under way this afternoon, with day one of the event boasting a line-up jam-packed of activities.

The entertainment kicks off at 1pm, with the event's grand opening seeing Miss Beccles Samantha Chapman getting the event under way, along wish her prince and princess attendants, Josh Brabben, Esme Jermany and Lily Gordon.

The afternoon will then see a hotpot of entertainment, with a performance from Stagecoach at 1.15, fun and games with the carnival team at 2.30pm and a series of competitions to enter.

These will include the traditional fancy dress competition and the Beccles Bonny Baby competition.

There will also be performances in the arena from the Kessingland amateur dramatics group (3.45pm) before children and adult races at 4pm.

Then, at 4.30pm focus will shift from those on two legs, to those on four with wagging tails, as the fun dog show returns to the carnival for the second year running.

Prizes for pooches include best puppy, most handsome dog and prettiest bitch.

The two day event will also see the return of Beccles Quay Rocks, with live music from the Fortunate Sons at 6pm, followed by the Stereotypes and the Catch 22.

For the first time, there will also be a new fun zone at the event, which will replace last year's fun fair, which will remain open throughout the day and event.

Are you going to the event today? Email your pictures to david.hannant@archant.co.uk