Regatta week is back with a bang bringing fireworks, sporting shenanigans and a carnival spectacular to Deal's streets.

Emerging from the bleakness of Covid and 16 months of lockdown, the highlight of the town's calendar promises a vibrant yet traditional attraction - just like before.

John Trickey, chairman of Deal Community Carnival Association, said: "It's been hard to organise this year with the restrictions that were in place but we believe that the events will bring tremendous joy to the town."

Saturday

A packed weekend of fun starts on Saturday with the Teddy Bear's Picnic, hosted by Deal's junior regatta court on Walmer Green between 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Teddies can be entered into the Deal Teddy court and selections will be at 3.30pm.

The Party on the Green is straight after and includes an 80s and 90s party from 7-9.30pm. Fireworks will be at 9.30pm. This is a free event featuring Invicta Sounds Mobile Disco.

Sunday

Energetic sporting activities begin with the Dinosaur 10k at 9.30am at Deal Castle for a 10am start. For entry forms pick up a copy of the Regatta programme.

Little ones have the chance to get competitive at the Hopscotch championship at Deal Seafront (Beach Street) at 1pm. There are heats for the under 8s and the under 11s.

The seafront is the focus for the 1mile (1,000m) sea swim at 1.30pm at Downs Sailing Club. Swimmers will race to Deal Pier and back. This is followed by the mayhem of the Raft Race at Downs Sailing Club at 1.45pm for a 2.15pm start. It costs £10 per raft.

The annual highlight, the 30metre timed lorry pull is at Beach Street. Registration is at 2.30pm before the start at 3.30pm.

Wednesday

The Baby Show makes a welcome return with classes including baby most like its mum and glamorous granny. This is at Betteshanger Sports and Social Club in Cavell Square at 1.45pm.

The tempo increases from 6pm at Beach Street for the Party on the Prom featuring User Friendly and Johnny B. Its a chance for the town to be introduced to the carnival court before the carnival procession the next day.

Thursday

Vintage vehicles will be on display for Carnival Classic Car show on Walmer Green from noon. To book you car in, call 07730759383 or email gljt11@cloud.com.

From 7pm: It's back and entries are already bountiful for Deal Carnival.

Moving off from opposite Downs Sailing Club in The Beach in Walmer at 7pm, there will be new and exciting entrants including Dover Pride as well as traditional carnival courts on floats.

This year's court is led by Miss Deal Phoebe Mills who were selected in February 2020 and her tenure has been held over until now.

Forrest amusements have again pitched up their fun fair on Walmer Green serving as the perfect outlet for the excess energy.

Friday

And the last event to finish off the week is the newest to be added to the programme.

That's the Caribbean Beach Party at Beach Street from 7pm.

Mr Trickey added: "We are all excited to get back into the dancing fray and enjoy all that Deal has to offer."

Regatta week is entirely self funding and benefits from no public funding except grants, sponsorships and donations.

More information is available in the event programmes, costing £1 at shops in and around Deal including John Roper's and Nat West Bank.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal