ALL eyes will be on Weymouth today as the town goes carnival crazy.

Thousands of people are expected to flood the town for the bumper charity bash which organisers hope will be the biggest to date.

As many as 200,000 people could be in the resort for the day, which forecasters predict will be dry and bright.

Fun races and competitions, gravity defying air displays and of course the big carnival parade are all being lined up to ensure the day is a money-spinning hit.

Paul Parker, chairman of Weymouth Round Table Carnival committee said: "There's a few changes this year. The main one is that the Red Arrows will be appearing earlier.

"But the day promises to be bigger and better than ever and we would just encourage people to have as much fun as possible raising cash for local causes."

He said the Red Arrows will be taking to the skies above the resort at noon with other air displays including a parachute drop, helicopter beach assault and a harrier jump jet display all scheduled for the afternoon.

Details of the events are listed in the souvenir programme, which will be on sale throughout today for £2.

The crowning of this year's carnival queen Gemma Black and her attendants Amanda Milner, 24, and Becky Lewis, 20, takes place in a ceremony outside the Pavilion at 1.30pm.

Gemma, 18, who works for Top Shop said: "I am really looking forward to today. It's a big honour."

But it is the carnival procession that always proves the biggest hit with fun seekers and this year it sets off from the Pavilion at 6pm.

Shaun Hennessy, procession organiser, said: "We are predicting a record number of entries for the parade in its new shortened form from the Pavilion to Lodmoor.

"We have around 70 floats and more walking entries than we have ever had in the past. We are very pleased with the response it's going to be a great day."

But he urged people not throw coins at people taking part in the procession, which has been a problem in the past.

"With all the problems we have had getting insurance for the procession we don't want it spoiled by a few irresponsible people."