Southend is gearing up for its annual carnival procession and the fun has already started.

This year's Carnival Fair is already in full swing from 2pm each afternoon and tomorrow (Thursday) there is the chance to enjoy the thrills for half price between 2pm and 6pm.

Carnival time should be children's time and it is something that the carnival association has not overlooked.

Youngsters aged from two to 16 have their very own procession to take part in for the second year running.

The Sunshine Children's Carnival leaves the Sealife Centre at 2pm this Saturday and proceeds along the pavement on the sea side of the Golden Mile to Adventure Island. It will then come all the way back again.

Carnival spokesman Chris Charles, says: "It is a great opportunity for the children to get a feel of what the big carnival is like."

Their procession will follow a different route from last year, after suggestions from both spectators and participants.

Around 70 children took part in last year's procession, mostly in fancy dress, and the organisers are hoping for a similar colourful turnout this year.

Judging starts at 2.30pm and entry forms are still available from the Tourist Information Centre, or by calling Alan Jones on 01702 616101. Entries can also be taken on the day.

If your pooch is a bit of a poser then they'll love the All Sorts Dog Show, part of this year's package of Southend Carnival events.

The show is this Friday at Priory Park, near the cafe. Booking in starts at 1pm with judging by Mr Tony Urwin beginning at 2pm.

As well as five pedigree classes there are 10 novelty classes, including the most handsome dog/bitch; the dog most like its owner and the most liked dogs. All prize winners from the novelty classes will then compete for the accolade of Top Dog.

Entry is £1 per pedigree class and 50p per novelty class. Any dog is welcome to enter as long as it is more than six months old.

Call 01702 474762/462570 for an entry form or further information.

The hectic week will end on Saturday with the switching on of the 2000 Southend illuminations by actress Helen Worth - Gail from Coronation Street - at 8.45pm.

Prior to that the Grand Illuminated Carnival Procession leaves Chalkwell Shelter at 8pm and fireworks shoot off from the pier in a grand display starting at 9.15pm.

Carnival Association chairman Mike Steptoe says: "We hope to raise enough by this year's event to finance a daytime town parade next year to celebrate the Carnival's 75th year - so please dig deep this year and I hope everybody enjoys themselves."

Carnival Week 2000 runs until Saturday

http://beehive.thisisessex.co.uk/southendcarnival is the website to visit for up to the minute information and details

Girl's best friend - Bulldog Wilkie will be doing his best in the Southend Carnival Allsorts Show on Friday. At least his entry form should be order - owner Gerry Gallott has had the job of organising the event!

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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