Richard Parr Wells Carnival Week will will see thousands of people converge on the seaside town to enjoy fun and festivities.

Richard Parr

Months of planning come to fruition this weekend, August 2-3, with the start of Wells Carnival Week, which will see thousands of people converge on the seaside town to enjoy fun and festivities.

While events are being staged on Saturday, it is Sunday when the event really takes off with the Grand Fete from 11am on the Beach Road recreation field. The day will see a madcap It's A Knockout competition involving local teams and the crowning of the Carnival Queen, Nadine Lemon and her attendants.

Carnival committee chairman Patrick Weston has praised the contribution from the local community in sponsoring events and giving donations.

“We really appreciate the contribution made by local businesses and individuals. Without their continued support we could not put on a week-long programme of mainly free events for locals and visitors alike to enjoy,” he said.

Mr Weston said the volunteer carnival committee had done their part in putting the programme together now it was up to the public to enjoy the party.

“We hope we have provided something to suit all tastes and ages and want to see locals and visitors will really become involved and enjoy themselves. Although most of the events are free or of low cost, we invite people to make donations during the week because all the proceeds are distributed among groups and organisations in Wells,” said Mr Weston.

Over the years the event has grown into what is widely seen as one of the biggest events of its kind in the area and many holidaymakers book their holiday in carnival week because there is so much going on.

This year organisers have tried to include something for everyone in the packed programme of events which begin from 10am daily and continue all day and into the evening with open-air performances by bands playing live music.

The highlight of the week is Carnival Day on August 9 when the town comes alive with a colourful and lively party atmosphere attracting an estimated 10,000 people into Wells. Crowds line the streets as the colourful cavalcade of decorated floats makes it way through the town. The parade is open to everyone and groups still have time to dress a lorry trailer or take part as individuals.

t See www.wellscarnival.co.uk for a programme.