Maldon Carnival is back on Saturday (August 3), with floats from local schools, community groups, and businesses expected to take to the streets. But guess what - there is much more than the main event to look forward to!

This year's Carnival Week, July 29 to August 3, is packed with a variety of events for all ages, culminating in the Grand Carnival Day on Saturday with a procession through the High Street.

What's On Carnival week

This year's festivities kicked off on July 22 with the Spot the Stranger competition in the High Street.

To begin Carnival Week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening (July 29/ 31, and August 2), there will be Carnival Cash Bingo at Upper Plume School. From 8pm, there will be eight cash games, two flyers, bonus numbers, and more. 

On Tuesday (July 30), there will be a free-to-enter Family Sport Day, where families are invited for a fun afternoon of running, egg-and-spoon dashes, obstacle courses and Mum and Dad challenges. Gates open from 12pm at Upper Plume School, with the event expected to last until 3pm.

There will also be an exciting treasure hunt underway, where families will be challenged to navigate around the area in search of hidden clues and challenges. Expect to drive and walk to different locations, on your quest to attempt to win a £35 cash prize. Meet at Plantation Hall, Heybridge at 6pm - adventurers! You can register your team, here.

Do you think you have THE Bonniest Baby? Registration for the classic Bonniest Baby Competition begins at Upper Plume School at 12:15pm on Wednesday, July 31. Judging classes 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18-24 months. You can book online or turn up on the day.

On Thursday, August 1, your little one can have a fantastical lunch with dinosaurs and the Carnival Princesses. Two hours of games, dancing and dino prize bingo from 12pm at Upper Plume School.

Don't miss the evening's popular Family Quiz, where your family can test their knowledge across a variety of exciting categories including Disney, Children's TV, Music, and a carnival round! From 6pm. Book here.

The Grand Carnival Day

The Carnival Procession will be held on Saturday, August 3, beginning at the junction of Cross Road and Fambridge Road at 2.15pm. 

The procession will go through the High Street, before ending on Mill Road by Promenade Park.

These roads will be closed from 2.15pm until around 4pm.

Leading the procession is the Caledonian Pipe Band, followed by the Fire Services and then the Maldon Carnival Court.

The procession will also include visiting courts, Maldon Pre-school, Maldon Rugby Club, dance troupes and an array of fancy dress walkers.

Keith Howes, Maldon Carnival Chairman, said: "We are thrilled to bring you this year's Carnival Procession, a tradition of Maldon that brings our community together for a day of joy, celebration and vibrant festivities.

"With the cost of living, it has been harder than ever to get the funding to organise this year's procession. However, through our hardworking committee and several fundraising events, from live music nights to quiz nights, we have managed to raise the necessary funds.

"I would like to thank our hard-working volunteers, participants and sponsors whose dedication and hard work have made this day possible. Your enthusiasm and support are the heartbeat of the Maldon Carnival."

This year's good causes include two local charities, the Liam Taylor Legacy and Action for Family Carers. You can move a donation to these charities online on the Maldon Carnival website.

Maldon Carnival is a historic event in Maldon, a tradition alongside Taxi Day and the Maldon Mud Race.

First taking off in 1905 as a 'Free Water Carnival', Maldon Carnival was held on the newly opened Marine Lake at Maldon Promenade Park.

By 1911, the floats "came ashore", with thousands flocking to the town to watch the long procession through the streets. 

Over one hundred years later, the carnival is still a valued tradition amongst Maldon residents.