Carnival week kicks off next weekend with the usual array of weird and wonderful events which mark the high point of summer here in Hastings.

As well as the opening ceremony, next Saturday sees a host of gardens opening their doors in aid of St Michael's Hospice, the Tug-o-War outside the lifeboat station and the first day of the barnstorming beach concert, which runs all weekend.

Sunday also sees the Old Town Criers Competition, live entertainment on St Clements Church steps, and a lunchtime haunted pub tour.

Expect confused tourists aplenty at the seaboot race on Monday August 2 and the bike race on Tuesday August 3, while annual favourites the pram race and the street party are back on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

Timbers are sure to be shivering on Friday when Hastings tries to break the world record for the number of people dressed as pirates, and a day of swashbuckling fun takes over the Old Town, while the carnival procession itself will wind its way through town on Saturday August 7, from 5pm, followed by fireworks that evening.

The gravity-defying aerial show takes to the skies on Saturday afternoon and the battle to become Hastings' Strongest Man and Woman takes place across that weekend.

For more information pick up a free brochure, visit www.oldtowncarnivalweek.co.uk and see next week's Observer for the start of our in-depth coverage.