A new route for Douglas Carnival, sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, is set to make this year’s event even better says the organiser, Douglas Borough Council.

The carnival parade will still set off from the northern end of the promenade near the Summerland site, but will now terminate at Harris Promenade, which will take centre stage for all the action and entertainment, including serving as a circuit for the Wheelie Bins of Glory race, while Douglas beach becomes the setting for a potential host of new attractions and competitions.

The changes mean that the ‘new-look new-route’ carnival, with the floats forming a static display in front of the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre, will provide spectators opportunities to ‘get up close and personal’ to the entries and enjoy the many performances and activities in a more concentrated space.

The changes will also see a change to Hospice Isle of Man’s Colour Me Rainbow race route which will start at the Castlemona Hotel, run along the landward side of Harris Promenade before turning in front of the Sefton island,  then running along the seaward side of the promenade and finishing on Douglas beach opposite Broadway, which becomes the Colour Me Rainbow party venue.

Regeneration and community chairman Stephen Pitts said: ‘The council is always looking at ways to improve Douglas Carnival and widen its appeal and the changes we have introduced are the result of listening and responding to feedback over the past years.

‘Motorists will be less inconvenienced, as the new route will require fewer parking suspensions and road closures but, importantly, we believe this new format will provide an enhanced experience for spectators, participants and concession-holders alike.’

Douglas Carnival is on Sunday July 16.  Entries for the parade and the Wheelie Bins of Glory race close Friday June 30.

For details contact Danielle Atkinson, datkinson@douglas.gov.im or visit douglascarnival.im to download an entry form.