The bi-annual festival of fun, Alive and Kicking, returns to Walpole Park for the third time on Saturday between 10am to 4pm, to celebrate the many different things available for residents in their home town.

The Alive and Kicking procession will make its way through the town to kick off the festival, with participants dressed up in colourful costumes.

The route will avoid the health and safety difficulties recently experienced by many carnivals battling reams of red tape because the procession is on foot, and will not involve floats.

Participants will meet on the Millennium Promenade at 11.30am to process up the High Street to Walpole Park - led by the Big Noise samba band.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, who is in charge of community and environment at Gosport Borough Council, said: 'Big Noise have proved an almost instant hit with the residents of Gosport.

'Band members couldn't be more enthusiastic and the public just can't get enough of them. They played at the council's Christmas lights event last year and ever since have been in huge demand, so much so they've even had to turn events down.'

Notting Hill Carnival artist Lincoln Rahmut, Gosport Carnival Factory and 20 local schools and community groups have been creating a collection of carnival costumes for the parade.

Clare Jefferson, of the Gosport Carnival Factory, said: 'A carnival is just such a fabulous way for people to come out of their homes and meet other like-minded people, have fun and let their hair down.'

Other highlights of Alive and Kicking include a recycled fashion show, artwork, Chinese and Thai dancing and a baby clothes show.

This year the event has joined with The Making and Hampshire County Council to create an eco-themed extravaganza of craft and design, giving people the opportunity to learn how to turn rubbish into art.

For event details click Next Page.