Carnival fever hits Ilfracombe this week!

Vikings, gnomes, military personnel and even characters from Alice in Wonderland took to the streets of Combe Martin recently for its annual carnival. Not wanting to be upstaged, it's neighbouring Ilfracombe's turn to add a splash of colour and music to the streets this week, as carnival fever hits the town!

With the main event happening Thursday August 27th, final preparations are well under way for what is expected to be a bumper year, with visitors on their UK family holidays arriving in preparation for the bank holiday weekend.

As one of the biggest annual events in the calendar, the carnival will again raise funds throughout the day, which will be put back into the town via the Ilfracombe Lights Appeal.

Marnie Quy, of Events4Ilfracombe, which is running the event in along with Ilfracombe Lions Club, said: "We are very excited about Lions involvement in the carnival this year and really please that a community fund like the lights has been chosen as a beneficiary."

"Please can everyone dig deep - your money will all stay in the town."

Floats and walking groups will congregate at Hillsborough car park, before the procession starts filtering out around 6.30pm.

The carnival will travel along Hillsborough Road, Portland Street, High Street and Church Street, before heading down Wilder Road and finishing on the seafront.

Supporting the main spectacle are the street food vendors, located down on the seafront from midday to 5pm. Those on their UK short breaks can get a taste of Devon with some beautiful locally sourced produce available.

The afternoon also brings a programme of local live music, looking to build a vibrant atmosphere before the parade arrives.

Sounds great right?! I'm expecting to see lots of lining the streets!