FINAL preparations are being made for this weekend’s Christchurch Carnival extravaganza.

The two-day event will see live music and dance at Christchurch Quay along with fireworks on Saturday and the traditional carnival on Sunday.

A variety of activities including a craft tent for children, performances from Kaleido-scope dancers, a Zumba demonstration and music from a Gary Barlow tribute act and other bands will take place throughout Saturday with food from cream teas to delicious Thai dishes on offer along with a bar on site to quench the thirst.

B Coles funfair will also be taking place at the Quay throughout the weekend.

This year’s grand firework display on Saturday evening will be set to music reflecting the events of the year and will be launched by deputy mayor Nick Geary.

He will also present the prizes to the winners of the children’s poster competition.

On Sunday, a dog show in aid of the PDSA is scheduled with entries from midday and classes in the ring at Christchurch Quay from 1pm.

Sunday will also see the carnival parade, with organisers asking residents to spread out along the route to get a great view.

Carnival chairman Julie Baker said: “Every year the High Street is crammed with people struggling to see properly.

“The procession leaves the rear of the Civic Offices at 2pm and moves along Bridge Street and Castle Street then after the High Street the route is along Sopers Lane and St Margarets Avenue.

“All these other roads offer the chance of seeing the whole parade without the same scrum.”

Crowds can expect to see pirate Jax Sparrow leading the procession along with vikings and monkeys.

And there is also a chance for budding photographers to win a cash prize in a new picture competition.

Entry details are on the website christchurchcarnival.co.uk or the Facebook page.