ALL the fun of the week-long Swanage Carnival kicks off this Saturday. Offering a host of fun and excitement, the event, which runs from Saturday to August 3, features a colourful two-mile procession with music and dance, a dog show, talent show, sports and more.

The ever-popular Red Arrows return for their fifth display at the carnival, while there will also be three firework displays over the week, parachute jumps, and live music, as just a few of the 100 planned events.

Linda Welsh, carnival secretary, said: “It’s always a fantastic event, which the police estimated drew in a crowd of an estimated 80,000 people last year for just the carnival procession and Red Arrows display alone.

“For the economy of the town, like the shops, cafes and takeaways, it must be a bit of a bonanza for them.

“We’re pleased to have the Red Arrows back, and recently found out that Swanage Carnival is their favourite event because of the great vantage points, including between Ballard and Peveril Point.”