Sailors around the Teign estuary will be raiding their fancy dress stash over the coming week in preparation for Shaldon’s 63rd annual Water Carnival, which takes place on Saturday (August 3).

The parade of extravagantly decorated boats is the highlight of Shaldon Water Carnival and large crowds are expected along the beach to watch the brightly coloured flotilla.

The boats are due to assemble at around 4:15 with the parade beginning at 5pm.

Sailors will be competing for prize money with three awards in each of the three classes: 1. boats under motor; 2. paddle boards, canoes and kayaks; and 3. seine boats and dinghies.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of entertainment centred on the beach between 10:30am and 6pm and then on the village green from 6:30pm until late. Expect donkey rides, games, craft stalls, demonstrations from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution ( RNLI), children’s entertainment and live music.