Anticipation is at a fever pitch ahead of the Hythe Venetian Fete 2019 tonight.

The bi-annual festival brings thousands of spectators to watch attractions including float parades and a spectacular fireworks display.

As the build-up begins to the gates opening in just a matter of hours, here is everything you need to know for one of Hythe's biggest events.

When and where is the fete?

Gates will open at 4pm, with music and other entertainment starting at 4.30, at the Hythe Military Canal, 1 The Avenue, Hythe, CT21 5NJ.

The entertainment will last until 6.30, where the opening ceremony beings, as the Mayor of Hythe, Cllr Doug Wade, arrives on a float pulled by the Folkestone and Hythe Sea Cadets, accompanied by the visiting mayors of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports.

The Mayor will officially open the fete at 7pm, and the first procession will begin.

What can we expect to see?

There will two parades of as many as 30 floats produced by groups including scouts, schools and local sports teams.

The groups will show off their float designs both during the daylight and during the night, competing for prizes in different categories.

The night-time parade will take place at around 9pm after a spectacular fireworks display, and will see the Military Canal lit by hundreds of lights.

How much will tickets be?

Fete-goers have been encouraged to buy tickets online in advance, where they are cheaper, but general admission tickets will be available on the day.

On-the-day tickets will be £12 for adults and £6 for children aged between five and 14, with children under four going free. Parking on Hythe green costs £5.

Tickets for the accessible area are only available through advance booking. Blocks A, B and C all have available seating, but the towpaths have been sold out.

Will there be food available?

There will be stalls providing both food and drink for all ages at the event, including bars.

You can, however, bring your own picnic if you prefer.

There will also be free water bottle refill points around the site.

Any other useful information?

The weather forecast is good, but it is always better to be safe than sorry- it is also forecast to get a little chilly towards 10pm, so a jumper would be recommended.

Visitors should be aware that only assistance dogs are allowed in the venue; and anyone bringing an assistance dog should be aware of the large fireworks display at 8:50pm.

Any tickets ordered online can be downloaded to smartphones and used on the gates. Additionally, you can come in and out of the venue until 9pm, when the gates will shut ahead of the final parade before the end of the fete at 10pm.

As with many venues, if you have unreserved seating then the earlier you get there, the more likely you are to get a better seat!

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe