Sheerness is gearing up for the annual Sheppey summer carnival this Saturday. (August 18)

Floats will gather in New Road from 4pm for the judging led by Swale's deputy mayor Cllr Ken Ingleton and will move off at 5.30pm.

The judges will also take part in the procession for the first time, travelling in a former red London Routemaster double-decker bus.

The parade will go along Millennium Way and into Trinity Road, Marine Parade, along Alma Road to Cavour Road and then along the High Street past the clock tower. Unlike past years, the parade will not stop at the clock.

Organiser Joan McCall said: "Balloonatic has warned us they will be entering again and are pulling out all the stops to make sure they retain the best float trophy they won they last year.

"But they are doing everything in secret. They won't tell us what they are planning although they hinted fireworks may be involved."

Sheppey Sea Cadets are entering on a float for the first time in many years and several floats will have live bands on board.

The Rainham Majorettes and the popular Wonder Girls pom-pom troupe from Bognor, who are usually totally out of breath by the end of the route because of their above-average age, will be returning.

Hastings' "diversity" Sea Court, which boasts a 74-year-old queen, a married mum, a transgender princess and a chap, will be making its Island debut.

Sheerness Broadway will have stalls and be closed to traffic all day.

Hollands' travelling funfair with dodgems, big wheel, ghost house and white-knuckle rides will be at Beachfields surrounding the sand pit from Friday for the weekend.

Amusement arcade boss Thomas Holland is once again paying for a free seafront fireworks display in the evening at dusk, expected to be around 9pm.

Sheppey's carnival court will be led by Faith Chawner, 18, from Queenborough, promoted from princess.

She took over the crown earlier in the year when Kelsey Wheatley pulled out with illness.

Junior Queen is Tilly Ash supported by Keira Collins Kiazim.

Late entries will be welcome on the day, especially pedestrians in fancy dress.