Eastleigh is set to steal the carnival glory from its big city neighbours.

Southampton has pulled the plug on its carnival capers but it could give a big boost to Eastleigh's week-long entertainment extravaganza.

The committee has had a steady flow of inquiries from carnival revellers keen to join in Eastleigh's festivities now that the financial brakes have been slammed on the Southampton carnival parade.

For more than 100 years the carnival has been the highlight of Eastleigh's social calendar although black clouds have recently been hovering over its future.

The carnival committee issued an SOS plea for more people-power to help with the many activities during the week.

More volunteers have come forward and now it is all systems go for the annual blockbuster which has raised countless thousands of pounds for local charities over the years.

The carnival programme will have a regal start with the traditional crowning of the carnival court at the Leigh Road bandstand tomorrow.

Carnival queen Lisa Heath, a 17-year-old student at Eastleigh College will be accompanied by her princesses, 12-year-olds Alex Blishen and Danielle Harder, pictured, on engagements.

Queen Lisa will officially open Joe Stevens' mammoth funfair to get the carnival capers into full swing.

During the week of events there are all the usual favourites, including carnival fair, baby show, fancy dress, teddy bears fancy dress, children's wacky races, line dancing, the Southern International Minstrels show and sandcastle competition.

Among the new attractions is a children's karaoke-style talent show and there will be the return of an old favourite - the carnival darts final.

As usual the grand finale to carnival week will be the colourful cavalcade which will snake its way through the town centre streets on Saturday, August 18.

The procession will line up in Passfield Avenue, near the Fleming Park Leisure Centre, and move off at 5.30pm.

For news and pictures of all the carnival action get your Eastleigh edition of the Daily Echo all next week.