THE south coast’s premier carnival is set to return this weekend – with a range of road closures and diversions in place across the week.

Closures begin today, July 26, ahead of the festivities getting underway tomorrow, July 27.

The eastern part of Walrond Road is closed for use as a compound for the carnival, until 11.59pm on August 3.

A temporary parking restriction in place along De Moulham Road between Walrond Road and the A351 for safety entering the showground on Sandpit field.

Then, from Saturday, Shore Road will be closed to traffic for a ‘variety of events’ during the carnival week.

On the opening day of the carnival, children will take place in fun road races, which will close part of Shore Road and Victoria Avenue to all traffic, except for those taking part and the emergency services.

This will be in place between 7am and 12pm, with a diversion taking traffic via Clifton Road, De Moulham Road and Victoria Avenue.

These same closures and diversion will also be put in place on Saturday, July 27, Wednesday, July 31 and Saturday, August 3 between 8.30pm and 11pm for fireworks displays.

The main carnival procession will take place on Sunday, July 28.

This will see various roads closed, with parts of Shore Road and Victoria Avenue closed between 7am and 6pm, and parts of Walrond Road, De Moulham Road and Rabling Road closed between 8am and 6pm.

Between 12pm and 6pm, DeMoulham Road (part), Clifton Road, Institute Road, High Street (between Institute Road and Kings Road East junctions), Kings Road East, Kings Road West (between Kings Road East and Station Road junctions), Station Road, Rempstone Road and Victoria Avenue will be shut.

The High Street, between Institute Road and Seymer Road junction, will also be closed for this period, while the Church Hill one-way system will be reversed.

Throughout the carnival procession, marshals will be posted throughout the town to ensure smooth progress for the procession, and to ensure that only those taking part have access.

Next week, on Thursday, August 1, parts of the High Street will be closed for fancy dress street entertainment between 6pm and 11.59pm.

A diversion will be in place via DeMoulham Road (part), Clifton Road, Institute Road, High Street (between Institute Road and Kings Road East junctions), Kings Road East, Kings Road West (between Kings Road East and Station Road junctions), Station Road, Rempstone Road and Victoria Avenue Finally, DeMoulham Road (part), Clifton Road, Institute Road, High Street (between Institute Road and Kings Road East junctions), Kings Road East, Kings Road West (between Kings Road East and Station Road junctions), Station Road, Rempstone Road and Victoria Avenue will be closed on Friday, August 2.

These closures will be in place between 7pm and 8pm for a wheelbarrow race.