Sheppey’s first ‘green’ pedestrian-only carnival parade takes place today in Sheerness.

The procession will start from Beach Street at 2pm and then wind its way through the town centre led by Whitstable’s Pelo Mer samba band before ending at the clock tower.

Organiser Chris Reed said: “All are welcome. We want to see walkers and brightly decorated wheelchairs, bikes, trolleys and buggies.”

A limited number of free flags will be available to collect at the start. The carnival is being organised and financed by Sheerness Town Council.

Cllr Reed said: “We encourage shops and business, organisations and charities to join in. The council has decided to make this carnival ‘green’ in line with making the town plastic free and reducing air pollution by cutting the use of fossil fuels.”

She added: “We often hear people say how the carnival used to be fantastic when the whole town took part. This is your opportunity to make this carnival parade amazing.”

“All you need to do is dress up and turn up.”

Although she has been holding free two-hour workshops to create rainbows and hearts to thank the NHS and key-workers for their efforts throughout the pandemic’s lockdowns she says any type of fancy dress costume will be welcomed. The last of the workshops took place on Friday.

The parade coincides with the annual fairground visit to Beachfields sandpit and a free fireworks display from the beach in the evening.

The procession starts in Beach Street and take in the High Street to the former Old House at Home pub, turn back to the clock tower and then finish in Sheerness Broadway. The roads will be closed for the parade.

To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey