HEDGE End residents are to get into the party spirit as the annual carnival returns.

The village will be transformed into a sea of colours as the carnival returns today.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to enjoy the parade.

The carnival procession will move off at 2.15pm from St John’s Road and will go through Sherborne Way, Hobb Lane, Lower Northam Road and Upper Northam Road before heading to Greta Park where the annual fair will take place.

Several artists will perform at Greta Park during the afternoon including the Vintage Sounds Choir and the Southampton Aerial Skills.

Residents will also have the chance to enjoy the Pedal Power vs Parkour, a show that will see performances combining the skill, balance and power of a trials rider, the tricks of a BMX rider and the finesse of a parkour athlete.

Nick Wise, chairman of the Hedge End carnival committee, said: “All three will be putting it all on the line taking on increasingly difficult challenges as they attempt to become the crowd favourite. No one knows who will come out as champion on the day. Do not miss this opportunity to see all the latest tricks that you would usually only see on the internet or TV, live right here in your home town.

“You do not want to hear later how brilliant it was.”

Mr Wise said the fair costs nearly £3,000 to put on and the committee has decided to introduce an admission charge to Greta Park between 1pm and 5pm. Tickets cost £1 for adults and 50p for children.