Fair Trade and Flower Power are the themes for this year's Kemp Town Carnival, which tomorrow celebrates its tenth anniversary.

With live music, Brazilian dancers, a popular French food market and scores of stalls along St George's Road selling everything from homemade cakes to hand-made jewellery, the vibrant community event will attract up to 10,000 people intent on partying in the streets from noon til dusk.

The carnival, which started small in 1997, suddenly exploded in size about three years ago, says event co-ordinator Susie Turner: "Now it's like a junior Notting Hill by the sea."

But while for many, the fun-packed day is a summer highlight, a few local traders and residents have found the over-crowding, temporary road closure and rubbish a cause for complaint.

"It's a fantastic day for the community," says Susie. "We have had great support from the council and the police over the years but this year there has been a lot of opposition from a small minority.

"It has taken some of the fun out of organising it so this is the last one I am going to be involved in.

I really want us to go out with our heads held high though, so we have tried to address all the issues and concerns.

"A local Scout group is coming to clean up afterwards and we have cut right back on advertising to keep the numbers down. Last year we had 12,500 people coming from all over Sussex.

Hopefully this year we will go no higher than 10,000."

The carnival will open officially at noon tomorrow with the arrival of the new mayor, Councillor Carol Theobald. Bands including the Matzos and BIMM students will play throughout the day at three different stages, one at Fish Square, one at the Golden Cannon pub and the other alongside The Dragon pub, both on St George's Road.

There will also be street entertainment and an arts and crafts centre in the garden of Sussex House for children. If you can't wait until tomorrow, make your way to St George's Road this evening for the annual Bed Push Race at 6pm.

Don't forget your PJs.

  • Noon-9pm. Free.