MORE than 20,000 people are expected to line the streets on Saturday as Felixstowe goes carnival crazy.

Entrants for the big parade have been encouraged to let their imaginations run riot and it is hoped it will be one of the most colourful and noisy ever as it winds it way from the town to the seafront.

As well as the decorated floats, majorettes, visiting queens and fancy dress characters, some old favourites are returning this year – with the promise of the “big heads”, a popular feature of the carnival cavalcade in the 1960s and 70s, set to return.

There will also be a marching band leading the way when the procession sets off from Beatrice Avenue – the Bury St Edmunds-based Glenmoriston Pipe Band.

The parade sets off earlier than in previous years, leaving at 1pm. Carnival queen Betheny Relph, 18, and princesses Jessica Read, Emma Watts, both ten, and Holly England, 13, will be near the front.

It will go down Hamilton Road, Crescent Road, Highfield Road, Orwell Road, Garrison Lane, Undercliff Road West and Sea Road.

At Langer Park, the venue for the entertainment on Saturday and Sunday, the clock will be turned back, too, with an arena featuring some traditional-style carnival displays, including dance, parkour, karate and fitness.

The main stage features live music, and there wil be a funfair, refreshments and other attractions, including bouncy castles, circus skills, face painting, and visits from children’s favourites Iggle Piggle and Peppa Pig.

Organisers have their fingers firmly crossed for seaside sunshine – and are hoping the changes will bring out the crowds to enjoy not only the parade but also events in the park and help raise a bumper sum for charity.

Carnival chairman Nick Barber said: “We have also reduced the prices for the park on Saturday.

“We really want people to be able to come along and enjoy the fun.”