With less that two weeks to go to curtain-up on Wells Carnival, organisers have been getting into the spirit by dressing up in pirate gear and climbing aboard the Dutch klipper, the Albatros, which is permanently berthed in the harbour.

With less that two weeks to go to curtain-up on Wells Carnival, organisers have been getting into the spirit by dressing up in pirate gear and climbing aboard the Dutch klipper, the Albatros, which is permanently berthed in the harbour.

Carnival committee chairman Patrick Weston and his crew are busy finalising the last-minute details to the packed programme of events which starts on August 2 and continues until August 10.

One of the popular events is the pirate night on board the historic klipper and people will have the opportunity of rocking to the swashbuckling beat of The Boogaloos band in an evening hosted by the ship's owner and captain, Ton Brouwer.

After months of hard work, the organising committee can't wait to drop anchor and unveil their colourful programme of mainly free entertainment to the thousands of people who flock to the town to enjoy the carnival that is now widely recognised as one of the biggest of its kind in the region.

This year there is a varied selection of events for all the family to enjoy. Events range from the ever-popular sandcastle and gillying (fishing for crabs) competitions, through to children's workshops, the return of Funquay Day and Night , a massive old-fashioned jumble sale and workshops at which carnival parade costumes can be made.

Following its success last year, teams are invited to take part in the fun-filled It's a Knockout competition with teams competing for the George Somerton Trophy. Organisers hope that local firms and organisations will enter a team (up to 10 people in a team, minimum age of entry 18) to make it a spectacle for the watching crowds.

The event is held as part of the Grand Carnival Fete on August 3 on the recreation field on Beach Road.

Any groups thinking of taking part are asked to contact Hayleigh on 07795 575485 for more details and an entry form.

Retuning again this year will be the Funquay Day on Wells harbour. The quay will be traffic-free all day and the area will be transformed to become a glorious summer fair with food from around the world There will also be craft stalls and a jazz band to add to the atmosphere.

The fun will continue into the evening on the quay when the ever-popular Lee Vasey Band will be entertaining the crowds from 8pm.

Anyone interested in taking a stall at the Funquay day can contact Gail Ward on 07876771917 for more details.

One of the big attractions of the Carnival is its programme of live music and this year a broad range of musical tastes are catered for including jazz, glam rock, a Queen tribute band and a steel band .

A highlight is on August 9 when the Carnival Day parade of colourfully-decorated floats makes it way around the town watched by thousands of people. Carnival Night will see The Hamsters performing on the Buttlands open recreation area.

Mr Weston said that the generosity of local businesses allows the committee to put on such a wide-ranging programme of mainly free events.

“I would like to express thanks to our supporters and sponsors for their continued enthusiasm and support. We couldn't stage the Carnival without their support,” he said.

The carnival colour programme, featuring full day-to-day programme details, are now available from a number of locations in and around Wells.