This Sunday (2nd August) will see Peel's annual carnival turning the shore and quayside areas of the old City into a blaze of colour, costumes, music, fun and festivities.

As well as being the only carnival on the Island to retain its traditional grand procession, it also brings a host of entertainments for all ages to enjoy.

On the beach, there will be a Sandcastle competition, a bouncy castle and Punch & Judy shows, while Shore Road will become the stamping ground of street entertainers, including magicians, jugglers, uni-cyclists and an escapologist!

Seasoned stuntment the Purple Helmets will bring biker mayhem to the Creg Malin and for the first time, a group of belly dancers will provide eye-catching cultural flavour.

The carnival has a long tradition in Peel although it was first staged 'officially' in 1952, when young Sheila Kinley was crowned 'Queen of the Herring Fleet'. These days, the title has been modified to 'Peel Carnival Queen' but the tradition remains as strong as ever.

The carnival procession will start making ready on East Quay at 1pm (entrant are reminded that they must assemble at the House of Manannan by 1pm at the latest) before proceeding at 2pm along the promenade to the Creg Malin car park.

This year, the Manx Transport Heritage Museum's annual rally will join the procession, taking a number of classic and unusual vehicles - including a dozen 1950s Bond Minis and a traction engine! - on the road.

There will also be live music to suit all tastes throughout the day, including several local rock full-on folk from King Chiaullee, the Manx Saxophone Ensemble and, lending true carnival atmosphere, the sounds of Samba Mann.

The day will come to a close with a firework display at 10pm.

Carnival Day Schedule

10am: Roads close, Sandcastle competition (beach)
11.30am: Sandcastle judging
12pm onwards: Street entertainers (Shore Road)
1pm: Carnival parade gathers (East Quay)
1.30, 3.30pm: Punch & Judy shows (beach)
1.30pm: Carnival float judging
2pm: Grand Parade to Creg Malin Car Park (along Shore Road)
2.30pm: Prize presentation at Creg Malin car park, start of Carnival Shield yacht race
2.30pm onwards: Street entertainment
4pm: Purple Helmets (Creg Malin)
10.00pm: Fireworks, preceded by the Pan Fire steel band (Shore Road)