More than 60,000 visitors are expected for the 18th annual Paddle Around The Pier.

The big showdown is the mass sponsored paddle on Sunday afternoon (2pm), where anyone can take to the water to join in the mass floatilla heading around the West Pier.

Paddle Something Unusual (Sunday, noon) is for the creative who fancy their chances in ridiculous rafts. Previous years have seen competitors take to the water in seaworthy aeroplanes, cranes, bed and sheds – anything so long as there is no engine.

It’s not just water–based fun. There are bands and musicians from across the country playing on both days on the Tuaca Music Stage and Ukulele stages.

The L.O.L. Skate and BMX Ramp Park has three ramps for demos and free sessions and the onland extreme sports phenomenon, tarp surfing, comes to Brighton with the Kamikaze Boarding stand.

A dedicated children’s stage has family entertainment and a giant sandpit and crèche.

All the proceeds go to charity and its success over the last 18 years means The Paddle alone has raised more than £150,000 for charity over the past few years.

Paddle Around The Pier, Hove Lawns, Hove, Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6.