THE build-up to Southend Carnival Parade is in full swing, and organisers are as excited as ever to showcase the talents of the community to the town.

On Saturday, the grand illuminated carnival procession will leave Chalkwell Esplanade and make its way along Marine Way and Western Esplanade before finishing outside the Castle pub.

Events throughout the week leading up to carnival include a companion dog show, a junior prince and princess competition and the fair at Chalkwell Park.

Last year the carnival didn’t go ahead due to the Olympics.

Carnival event manager Garry Lowen says it is all about the local community. He says: “It’s the community involvement that makes it the success it is. It’s their investment in it as well, because what we raise goes straight back into the community on various projects.

“We have community groups on the parade showing people what they can do and how they in turn can give back to the community.”

Southend Carnival dates back to 1906, when it was part of an annual regatta. It’s estimated it has invested more than £10million into the local voluntary community.

Organising an event on such a large scale is no easy task, especially when it includes numerous road closures.

Fourteen youngsters from across Essex have helped deliver leaflets, as part of the Government’s National Citizen Service scheme, to residents whose roads will be affected by the carnival.

Mr Lowen explains: “We have a huge team. Nearly 10,000 man hours are involved in putting this together – it’s a mammoth task.”

He hopes the carnival will be well attended and supported.

Highlights will include Rampage, the sound system team who frequent Notting Hill Carnival, and an American-style marching band from Poole.

Mr Lowen adds: “We have no air show this year, so apart from maybe Village Green festival, we’re one of the flagship events in the town, so we hope people will come out and really support the carnival and the community it’s showcasing.”