FILM and TV stars, and darlings of the theatre, will all be present at Felixstowe's biggest event this year - as revellers celebrate celebrity in the world of showbiz.

FILM and TV stars, and darlings of the theatre, will all be present at Felixstowe's biggest event this year - as revellers celebrate celebrity in the world of showbiz.

Stage and Screen is theme for the resort's carnival next month - and there will be lots of people dressing as their favourite stars or recreating the shows and films they love.

Preparations for the weekend of August 4, 5 and 6 are in full swing - the bunting is up, programmes published, procession entry forms available, and the carnival queen chosen.

Organisers of Felixstowe Carnival, supported by the Evening Star, are hoping it will be one to remember though accept it has been a bit of rush to get everything ready this year.

Several key committee members quit at the start of the year and there was doubt for a while as to whether the event - which attracts around 20,000 visitors to the resort - would go ahead. New blood came forward and the new committee has been getting to grips with its work.

Carnival secretary, Sandie Doran said: “It's been a steep learning curve and a lot of hard work.

“This year we just wanted to have a carnival and make it the best event we could, but once it is over we will start looking ahead to next summer immediately and seeing if there are changes we need to make, things which could be improved or new ideas people might have.

“We want to raise the profile of the carnival and make it an important part of town life, as it used to be - an all year round event.

“We need to raise more money during the year to put on the entertainment and ensure we raise some for charity, which is our aim.”

It costs about £25,000 to put on the carnival and much of this has to be raised through sponsorship from companies and organisations.

This year's carnival queen is Catherine Twomey, 16, who has just finished her GCSEs at Deben High and is hoping to pursue a career in hairdressing. Her princesses are Rebecca French and Sophie Wilson, both aged six and both pupils at Maidstone Infants.

The procession will be on August 5 at 3pm, and other attractions include Abba Gold and the Glambusters, plus an air display.

WEBLINK: www.felixstowecarnival.org

What would you like to see at Felixstowe Carnival? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk