The Steam Packet and Douglas Council have announced the ferry operator is to be the exclusive sponsor of the event for the third successive year.

The company is also sponsoring the years prizes including £250 for the best float, £50 for best youth group and many more categories.

The council’s regeneration and community committee chairman, Councillor Stephen Pitts, said: ’We are pleased to be partnering once again with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

’For the council to be aligned with the Steam Packet Company brand makes a very real difference to the scale and appeal of what has become one of the island’s largest community events.’

’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.’

Mr Pitts also added that last year, the event was attended by about 7,000 people and highlighted the economic and social value of the event to the community.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’We are pleased to have been involved with Douglas Carnival since its return in 2014. Each year it has been a successful community event with creative floats and parade performances helping to make the celebrations even more special.

’This year will be our third as the exclusive sponsor and we are looking forward to the festivities on the day.’

The carnival this year will be on Sunday, July 15, and the first floats will get under way from 3pm near the former Summerland site and continue before ending at Harris Promenade.

Once the parade reaches this point outside the Villa Marina and Gaeity Theatre, the floats will form a static display while there will be family based entertainment.

However, it was noted in a council meeting this month that due to the high tide on the day, previously held sand castle and kite competitions will not be held during this year’s carnival.

It is, however, hoped these competitions can be held during the Tower of Refuge walk planned for August, although this is not confirmed yet.

Mr Pitts concluded: ’It’s early days yet but, as always, we have listened and responded to feedback from previous years to ensure that Douglas Carnival 2018 will once again prove to be an unqualified success.’