BIG heads, Halloween costumes, and extravagantly decorated floats will be parading through the streets of Harwich for a popular annual carnival.

Final preparations are underway for this year’s Guy Carnival which is taking place on Saturday, October 27.

The unique carnival, which started life as the Shipwrights’ Carnival in 1854, is full of witty slogans poking fun at big issues in the town as well as fancy dress and music.

For the event, residents flock to the streets of Harwich and Dovercourt to see an array of floats, listen to a host of live music, and marvel at people wearing big heads and spooky costumes.

The floats carry slogans poking fun at topical news items or local issues in a tradition known as ‘guying’.

In previous years residents have dressed up in McDonald’s costumes to highlight the restaurant chain coming to Dovercourt.

Floats have also been decorated to make fun of controversial developments such as the £300million Bathside development scheme.

John Wade, Guy Carnival chairman, said there will be two live bands, Harwich runners, the Clacton Carnival Association, and Harwich Angels at the event - as well as several dance groups.

He added: “The Dovercourt fire brigade cadets are hoping to enter a float and the local brigade will head the carnival and the Harwich Rugby Union Youth Squad will lead the procession with their torches.

“The selfie competition will be run again with cash prizes available for the best picture and a children’s fancy dress competition will be held at the top of Ainger Road from 5.30pm onwards.”

Another popular feature of the annual carnival are the giant heads which have been part of the parade for more than six decades.

Today, the event is organised by the Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club, raising money for a variety of different causes.

The carnival assembles at 6pm for 6.30pm start at the top of Ainger Road, Dovercourt.

To find out more visit harwichguycarnival.co.uk.