Less disruption to traffic and parking and an enhanced spectator experience are promised from a revised carnival route for Douglas this year.

Carnival organiser, Douglas Council, says the changes should make the carnival even better at this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, July 16.

Regeneration and community chairman Stephen Pitts said: ’The council is always looking at ways to improve Douglas Carnival and widen its appeal and the changes we have introduced are the result of listening and responding to feedback over the past years.

’Motorists will be less inconvenienced, as the new route will require fewer parking suspensions and road closures but, importantly, we believe this new format will provide an enhanced experience for spectators, participants and concession-holders alike.’

This year, the carnival parade will still set off from the northern end of the promenade near the Summerland site, but will now finish at Harris Promenade, where all the action and entertainment will take place. This will also be the circuit for the Wheelie Bins of Glory race, while Douglas beach becomes the setting for a host of new attractions and competitions.

A council spokesman said the changes mean that the ’new-look new-route’ carnival, with the floats forming a static display in front of the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre, will provide spectators with a chance to get closer to the entries and enjoy the many performances and activities in a more concentrated space.

The changes will also see a change to Hospice Isle of Man’s Colour Me Rainbow race route which will start at the Castlemona Hotel, run along the landward side of Harris Promenade before turning in front of the Sefton island, then running along the seaward side of the promenade, finishing on Douglas beach opposite Broadway, which becomes the Colour Me Rainbow party venue.

Douglas Carnival is now in its fourth year after being resurrected by the council in 2014 following an absence of around 20 years.