CHRISTCHURCH Carnival will be returning to the Quay this summer.

The popular event takes place on August 13 and 14 and will feature stalls, live music, fireworks and a funfair.

It will be the first time a parade and full carnival programme has taken place for two years.

Chairman and councillor Vivienne Charrett said: "Last year went really well but we couldn't organise the parade through the town because of social distancing, so this year the plan is to have the full blown carnival and the parade through the town.

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“The Saturday will run from 10 in the morning until 10 at night and we will be hosting stalls, live music and arena acts on the Quomps. The fireworks will be on at about 9pm in the evening and the fun fair is going on at the same time.

“On the Sunday it starts at 11am and goes on until 4pm and we have the parade in the town.

“Once they get to the Quomps there's the dog show. Then there's more live music going on until 4 in the afternoon.”

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“We're very excited about it this year and because it's been a couple of years since we can do the whole thing we're really going to go to town this year to do the best job we can.”

The carnival also encourages people to donate their loose change to help raise valuable funds for Christchurch charities.

Councillor Charrett said: “If we get a surplus at the end of the day we always give that away to local good causes and people can apply for that.

“Last year we gave £1000 to the Waterlily Project, Green Door for Families and the Absolute Music Trust. We very much hope to be able to make a surplus this time and do the same thing.”

The committee is currently looking for sponsorship, volunteers and anybody with lorries or trucks to help run the festival.

Visit https://christchurchcarnival.co.uk.