The highly popular Douglas Carnival returns to the capital on Sunday.

The event, that last year attracted 7,000 spectators, will include a parade along the seafront and family entertainment in the Villa Marina gardens.

The timings have been brought forward so that participants can still enjoy the World Cup final.

Some 31 floats will take part in the parade which will set off from Queen’s Promenade at 1.30pm and make its way to Harris Promenade.

Harris Promenade will take centre stage for all the action and entertainment.

Once the parade arrives there, some of the floats will form a static display in front of the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre.

Regeneration and Community Committee chairman Stephen Pitts said: ’The Council, together with local businesses, voluntary organisations and individuals, puts a huge amount of effort into planning and staging the carnival which draws people from all over the island to our town.’

Visitors can expect a variety of activities including bands, floats, dance groups, decorated vehicles, and many other spectacles including live music, free fairground rides and craft market.

A ’Party in the Park’ hosted by The Villa will feature bouncy castles, food concessions and the Manx Troopers.

Organisations taking part include the Youth Arts Centre, United Filipino community, British Legion, St John Ambulance and Unity Dance in addition to charities such as Crossroads Care, Hospice Isle Of Man and Mannin Sepsis.

Prizes will be awarded in the parade. Cash prizes of £250 will be awarded for best float, people’s choice, best walking group or band and best overall entry. And £50 prizes will be awarded for Best charity entry, best vehicle, best dancing group and best agricultural entry.

Queen’s Promenade is due to close to traffic at midday before reopening no later than 6pm, and Central Promenade, Broadway from Derby Road to the promenade are anticipated to close at 1.30pm, reopening at 6pm or earlier.

Harris Promenade will close at 1.30pm and reopen by 10pm. The carnival is sponsored by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.