Let's go to the Carnival!

Tomorrow's (July 23) street procession from Turkey Road to the Polegrove already had equalled last year's entry level by the beginning of the week.

All the Carnival Committee needs now in an uncertain summer is a fine day...

Tomorrow is a special day for some very special young ladies.

Pride of place in the procession will go to Bexhill's Carnival Court and their float.

Bexhill's Carnival Queen this year is 16-year-old Charlotte Spinks. Charlotte, whose hobbies include drama, music and horses.

She will be accompanied by her Princess, 17-year-old Bexhill College student Rebekah Herring, Bexhill's Deputy Queen last year. The Carnival Junior Princess is 10-year-old St Mary Magdalene School pupil Emma Jane Bell.

Winners of a sponsorship competition were 1066 General Building and Property Maintenance. They become main sponsors of the event. Old Town Preservation Society is sponsoring the Carnival procession.

Nick Shaw's Travelling Carnival Funfair is sponsoring tonight's Polegrove firework display. Other sponsors include the De La Warr Pavilion Trust, Prime Signs, Carrolls fruiterers and the Observer.

Judging of the Carnival floats will take place in Turkey Road from noon with the start timed for 1pm.

The procession to Polegrove is via Ninfield Road and Holliers Hill to High Street, Old Town. From there it goes down Buckhurst Road to Town Hall Square, Sackville Road, Western Road, Devonshire Road, St Leonards Road, Sea Road, Marina, Devonshire Road, Parkhurst Road, Sackville Road and Egerton Road.

There is an addition to the classes to be judged this year with a separate category for the many walkers in fancy dress who take part in the event.

Charities which will benefit from this year's street collection are Christchurch Methodist Playgroup, Patchwork Pre-School and Play, the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) and Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Polegrove arena events start at noon and include American-style cheerleaders, clowns fire brigade, look-alikes, give-aways and an It's A Knockout-style competition.

The procession is expected to arrive in Polegrove for its traditional arena lap of honour by about 2.45pm.

Live performances will include a Robbie Williams tribute, Michelle Gayle (from Eastenders), Monroe, Baby Strange, 5 Boyz, Ben Franco and Carly Hilman.

Carnival Day ends with a tug-o-war competition.

Tonight's Party In The Polegrove starts at 6pm and is topped by Abba tribute band Arrival with live performances from Lee Bennett, Collette, Ben Franco, Danielle Blair and Untouched. An Abba fancy dress competition and a host of look-alikes will add to the fun.

Shaw's Carnival funfair continues its Polegrove run tonight and tomorrow.

Admission to the Polegrove tonight and tomorrow is 2 for adults, 1 for children with a 5 concession for a family of four.