SUPPORTERS of Colchester Carnival say they are looking forward to the atmosphere the family event will bring when it returns to the town on July 18.

This year, the carnival is again being sponsored by Weston Homes and the event partners are Theatricool and Colchester Haart.

Being a carnival partner gives them opportunity to be involved in all aspects of carnival from the procession, the family fun day in the park, to social media, the programme and website.

In turn, the partners support the event by promoting the carnival via their own social media and producing sales boards.

Haart is the UK’s biggest independent estate agency.

A spokesman for Colchester Haart said: “Colchester Haart is proud to be a partner supporting this year’s carnival. We love Colchester – it’s our home town.

“The community has supported us well over the years, so giving our backing to events in the town that benefit local businesses and people, such as the Colchester Carnival, is really important to us.

“The carnival brings a great atmosphere to the town – it is vibrant and gels the community together in a really positive way. We’re looking forward to seeing the floats, featuring their Heroes and Villains themes, driving by our Head Street and High Street office windows so we’ll be cheering them on.

“It’s going to be a great family event and given that many of our customers are families, why wouldn’t we want to get involved as a partner?”

Theatricool, based in Colchester and Nayland, provides part-time performing arts training to more 100 children in the area. They will feature in the parade and family fun day.

The carnival, which is supported by the Gazette, is run by Colchester Round Table and Ladies Circle.

The support of Weston Homes has meant many of the costs involved in putting on the carnival have been covered, ensuring more money goes to support good causes.

The Heroes and Villains themed-procession, from Abbey Fields to Colchester Castle via Butt Road, Southway, Headgate and High Street, takes place at 1pm.

Gates for the fun day in Castle Park are open from 11am to 8pm. Attractions include more than 100 trade stalls, rides, bouncy castles, music and multi-cultural fun.

See colchestercarnival.com