There’s less than five weeks to go until carnival fever sweeps across the town.

As the countdown begins to the celebrations, people are being urged to join the parade and support this year’s event.

The annual procession is due to make its way through Sittingbourne during the afternoon of Saturday, June 20.

Entries can be either on foot, on float or on whatever mode of transport you favour – and fancy dress is encouraged.

Anyone is welcome to enter. There is no charge, but participants are asked to carry supplied buckets for donations that go towards keeping the carnival going in future years.

Floats will line up at Milton Regis Recreation Ground at 1pm before judging starts at 2pm.

They will then set off at 3pm along Vicarage Road, Milton High Street, Crown Road, Chalkwell Road, London Road, West Street and High Street, before finishing in East Street.

Rolling road closures will be put in place to enable the carnival to move through the town.

Motorists are advised to allow for some delays to their journeys during the times listed.

Chairman Pam Griggs said: “We already have more entry inquiries than at this time last year, so if they all take part it should be a bigger parade than last year.

“We have confirmation of the Sea Cadets Band taking part and the Wonder Girls Pom Pom Troupe.

“Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association will also be taking part with Santa’s sleigh – but no Santa as he is away on his summer holidays.

"We also have a school and public house interested in taking part this year, the first time for a few years.

“The girls’ Court Regalia is sponsored by Legs Galore Party Store on the Eurolink Industrial Estate.

“The backdrop of the float was designed, painted and donated last year by Dean Tweedy of Marvellous Murals.

“It is so impressive that we are keeping it for this year with a slightly different float design.”

A host of pre-parade activities organised by the Sittingbourne Retail Association will get underway at 11am.

This year’s theme is ‘Sittingbourne by the Sea’.

Attractions include a coconut shy, hook a duck, tombola, live entertainment, side shows, games and boards featuring head cut outs for people to put their faces through, just like you get at the seaside.

There will also be stallholders selling various items, an ale tent plus other refreshments such as ice creams, popcorn, candy floss and burgers.

Stalls cost £30 or £40 for those selling food. There is no charge for charities.

To book email sra.events14@gmail.com

A free carnival programme, which includes money off vouchers to use in high street stores, will be available in the shops in the next few days.

For more details or an entry form, visit the Facebook page Sittingbourne Carnival Association, alternatively call Pam Griggs on 01795 475773 or email pamgriggs@talktalk.net