ORGANISERS are gearing up to host Basildon and Pitsea’s annual carnival and festival this weekend.

The parade will be taking place on Saturday from 1pm until 2.15pm, and will start at Ghyllgrove School, The Gore.

It will then continue into Butneys, Ghyllgrove, into Whitmore Way and then across into Northlands Park.

The carnival committee has selected The Basildon Community First Responders and Brighter Opportunities through Supported Play as its chosen charities.

A festival will be taking place from 11am until 6pm at Northlands Park, featuring live entertainment all day, with more than 60 stalls, including Partyman World, a beer tent, a petting zoo, kids karts, donkeys and a stall teaching driving in a full size car.

Stuart Terson, Carnival Chairman, said: “We hope that the local residents with come out and support the groups.

“We are always looking for more people and groups to take part and help us raise money for local charities and groups within the Basildon borough.

“This year we are proud to bring to the main stage over 30 performances including SEEA winners Danielle Fairchild, Cream, Katy Forkings, Fusion Performers, HSD, Tiptoe Stage School and more”

“In addition we are very pleased to have as a new partner Partyman World offering a range of Inflatables and interactive play, along with supporting the carnival parade.”

For more information, visit basildonandpitseacarnival.co.uk.

Visit the Echo website this weekend for pictures from the event.