CHALKWELL/SOUTHEND: Carnival week kicks off

The Southend Carnival is back, with a bigger and better range of activities than ever before.

The official opening of the Fair in Chalkwell Park today ( Fri 13), kicks off a week of exciting events around the town, all supporting HARP and the Southend Hospital ‘Bosom Pals Appeal’.

In addition to the annual Dog Show, Junior Carnival Prince and Princess Competition and the Children’s Fancy Dress and Teddy Bear’s Picnic, there are two new events for 2010.

The Kursaal Function Rooms will be hosting an Indoor Fair on the day the Carnival Procession travels the seafront (21 August).

And there are FREE workshops where you can create your own carnival headdress, design and make a samba style musical instrument and enjoy your very own mini procession. The workshops at The Clifftown Studios, Nelson Street provided by East 15 Acting School (part of the University of Essex) are available for young people and families at 11.30am to 13.00 and 13.30pm to 15.00 on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th August.

FULL RUNDOWN OF EVENTS:

Carnival Fair: 13 – 21 Aug, Chalkwell Park

Southend Canine Society Carnival Dog Show: 15 Aug, Priory Park

Junior Prince and Princess Competition: 17 Aug, Kursaal

Land of Make Believe Teddy Bear’s Picnic: 18 Aug, Priory Park

Fancy Dress Competition: 18 Aug, Priory Park

Carnival Indoor Market: 21 Aug, Kursaal

Carnival Illuminated Procession: 21 Aug, leaves Chalkwell Shelter at 7.45, goes along seafront until reaching Southend Pier at 9pm where there will be a fireworks display

Southend Carnival Queen Georgina told longpier.com:

I hope to see as many people as possible during carnival week so that we can support both HARP and Bosom Pals. Having recently visited HARP’s day centre in Westcliff and met their service users I have learnt just how vital the work they do with young people to get them back on track is. Taking part in carnival events is a fantastic way to have fun but to also support your local community.’

It’s not too late to enter the events and application forms for them all can be found at www.southendcarnival.org.uk. To take part in the workshops call 01702 32 8279 to book and for information visit www.southendcarnival.org.uk or find us on Facebook.