THE party starts in Swanage on Saturday, with the town's annual carnival week getting underway with a range of new attractions.

Displays from the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team and the Aerobatic Formation Wingwalking Team are new for this year.

Sunday' procession has the theme 'Swanage Goes Musical' for 2019, and bumper crowds are expected to line the streets.

Organisers say there are also three firework displays, live music, games, entertainment, food and drink throughout the week.

Tens of thousands of people usually flock to the event, which has helped support numerous local charities and worthy causes.

Another first for 2019 is a move away from the carnival princess role, to embrace three new carnival ambassadors.

The lads, Alex Lucas, Seb Wright and Reese Johnson, will be judging and taking part in carnival activities.

Carnival chairman Maria Foot said: "The boys have a busy week ahead of them and will play a vital part in engaging with our youth supporters.

"They are looking forward to the week and we really hope they enjoy the experience and have lots of fun along the way."

The procession, following a two-and-a-half mile route through the town centre, is scheduled for a 3pm start.

Activities take place across Swanage during carnival week.

The three firework displays are scheduled for the evenings of Saturday, July 27, Wednesday, July 31 and Saturday, August 3.

An event spokesman said: "Swanage Carnival is the premier carnival on the south coast and is a self funded organisation, run solely by volunteers.

"Last year the volunteers of Swanage Carnival helped raise over £28,000 which was distributed to 25 charities and good causes."