Thousands of people are set to flock to Swanage from Saturday when one of the biggest events in Purbeck's calendar gets under way. 

Swanage Carnival Week will see a procession, air display, fireworks, fun run, live music and a host of other events to keep all the family entertained.

Whether you've never been before or are something of a veteran, here's our guide to everything you need to know about this year's extravaganza. 

When does it take place?

Between Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, August 1.

When is the procession?

The procession takes place at 3pm on Sunday, July 26 and this year's theme is superheroes.

When are the firework displays?

You can see the fireworks on Saturday, July 25, Wednesday, July 29 and Saturday, August 1.

Fired from the jetty on the main beach, you will be able to view them from the beach, along the seafront, Recreation Ground, Sandpit Field, the Pier, the Downs or near the Old Stone Quay.

When are the air displays?

The Aerostars Aerobatic Air Display Team will be performing at 5pm on Saturday, July 25. The Red Arrows and the Red Devils Paracute Display Team won't be appearing at this year's event. 

When are the running events?

There will be no Swanage Half Marathon this year as organisers have been unable to get the road route approved plus there are also safety concerns from the Highways Agency and Dorset Police. 

That means the Swanage Road Race, considered to be the longest running county road road race in the country, comes to an end after more than 105 years of known existence. 

However, there will be a four mile fun run on Thursday, July 30 at 6.45pm starting at Sandpit Field. All Participants must be 13 years and over. Race limited to 250 participants.

How much does it cost to enter the four mile fun run?

It costs £5 to enter in advance or £7 on the day. You can enter by filling out the form here

Is there any live music?

There will be free live music on the main stage in Prince Albert Gardens every day of Swanage Carnival week. For five nights throughout the week, there will also be bands in the marquee at Sandpit Field.

When is Masquerade Magic Night?

Masquerade Magic Night takes place on Thursday when Lower High Street will be filled with people in fancy dress. From the Red Lion down to the East Bar, there will be prizes in every bar for the best outfit. There's also a disco for kids (scroll down for details)

What's going on for kids?

A children's treasure hunt will be running all week from 10am on Saturday. Entry forms are on sale at the Carnival Caravan from 10am on Saturday 25th July priced £1.50. 

There will be a Go-Kart Grand Prix at the seafront on Monday for mini Lewis Hamiltons. The first race is at 2pm.

Swanage Bay Swim is held on Monday with various races for those aged 11-years-old and 16-and-over.

A junior crabbing competition on Tuesday afternoon at the quay.  

Wacky races at Sandpit field on Tuesday. 

A biathlon takes place on Tuesday with competitions for boys and girls aged under 8 to 15-years-old and over. 

A sandcastle competition on Thursday with two age categories; one for 5-8-years and another for 9-12years. 

Scruffs Dog Show at 12.15pm on Wednesday at Sandpit field. 

There's a junior disco on Masquerade Magic Night (Thursday) between 7pm and 10pm in the Carnival Marquee at Sandpit Field with prizes for the best costumes. 

What's on for adults?

Teams are set to battle it out on Friday at the wheelbarrow race which is a pub crawl with a twist. 

On Wednesday, there's a yard of ale competition and a sandcastle competition just for grown ups. 

From 10am on Saturday, there's a treasure hunt for adults. Entry forms are £3 and available at the Carnival Caravan on Shore Road. 
 

Which roads will be closed?

Various roads will be closed for the carnival procession on Sunday. See them all here 

Shore Road and Victoria Avenue will be temporarily closed on Saturday between 4.30pm and 5.30pm and then between 9pm and 11pm for the fireworks. It will also be closed between 9pm and 11pm on Wednesday, July 29 and Saturday, August 1. 

The alternative route for diverted traffic will be via Clifton Road and DeMoulham Road.

High Street will be temporarily closed between 6pm and 11.59pm on Thursday, July 30 during Masquerade Magic Night. 

Traffic travelling to the south and west of High Street will be diverted via Stafford Road, Cluny Crescent, Queens Road, Bon Accord Road, Durlston Road, Encombe Road and Seymer Road.

The eastern part of Walrond Road will be temporarily closed between 7am and 11.59pm from Saturday, July 25 until Saturday, August 1. 

On Friday, there will be various roads closed for the wheelbarrow race. See them all here