THIS year Ulverston Hospice Carnival is bringing the flavour of Rio to its own streets.

Taking inspiration from Rio de Janeiro, carnival capital of the world, this year’s theme for Ulverston will be the Brazil carnival and the Olympics due to be held there.

Today everyone is encouraged to take part in the parade by dressing up or helping to decorate a float on the chosen theme.

St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston, is delighted that following on from last year, all proceeds from this year’s carnival collections will go to the hospice. The carnival parade starts at 1pm and runs through the streets of Ulverston and on to Ford Park, which the hospice overlooks.

Rio might be one of the biggest carnivals in the world, but Ulverston Hospice Carnival can hold its head high as it just gets bigger and better each year.

The committee is expecting more than 8,000 people to come along to this wonderfully vibrant event. Each year the committee works hard to bring something new to the day and this year is no exception.

The Bay Live Stage is on from 4pm until 6pm and features a fantastic line up of talent, including Henry Gallagher, Mr Zip, Tiger Heart, Chris Atkinson, Josh Taylor, District 12, Becki Fishwick and Ben Lewis.

They will entertain the crowds along with the regular favourite highlights. One regular event that can never be ignored is the sponsored stocks – always popular where good hearted souls suffer the indignity of being pelted with wet sponges.

Last year almost £3,000 was raised in just half an hour from this ‘performance’ and this begins at about 11.30am at the Market Cross.

Each year a carnival queen is chosen and her parents are invited to stand on the Coronation Hall balcony to watch the spectacle as she and the whole parade comes There will be plenty of food and drinks on offer as always to help keep energy levels up. Don’t miss out on the ice cream van and hot and cold snacks, including burgers, hot dogs, etc.

This jam-packed programme starts early at 10.30am with entertainment in the town centre and on Ford Park field. Dance troupes begin competitions, street entertainers and bands will all be performing.

At 1pm the grand parade starts and finishes at Ford Park for the gala featuring fairground rides and stalls. At 4pm the Bay Radio concert begins with an arena for the dancing competitions, entertainers, trade and charity stalls and caterers.

Corporate fundraiser for St Mary’s Hospice and carnival committee chairman Bob Qazi said: “We encourage as many people as possible to help volunteer on the day, as the carnival gives a huge boost to the local economy and its shops and services, plus at the same time helping to raise vital funds for St Mary’s Hospice.

“Last year’s parade and carnival was a massive success and we want to ensure this year’s is even bigger and better.

“We want as many people as possible to come and watch the events and also take part, through having a float or marching in the parade, wearing outfits with a Brazilian Carnival or Olympian theme, and then join us on Ford Park Field for a concert arranged by the Bay Radio.

“We would like to thank the Bay Radio, the local LVA and all the local businesses and people of Ulverston and Furness for their support.” Please note that the roads will be closed to all vehicles in the town centre from midday onwards until 4pm. Parking will be available in and around town, but not on Ford Park.

When is it?

today with entertainment from 10.30 onwards.

What's the theme?

Samba rhythms, party atmosphere? It's a Brazilian style fiesta bringing the flavour of capital city, Rio to the North West.

Will it be busy?

More than 8,000 people are expected to turn up to the lively event which keeps getting bigger and bigger each year.

Why is it called the 'hospice carnival'?

Saturday's festival will see all proceeds and donations collected given to St Mary's hospice.

What time is the parade?

It starts at 1pm and runs through the streets of Ulverston.

Around 45 Floats and fancy-dress clad festival-goers will take the parade onto Ford Park, which is overlooked by the hospice.

What else is there?

There will be performances on the Bay Live Stage will entertain everyone from 4pm until 6pm.

Acts confirmed are Henry Gallagher, Mr Zip, Tiger Heart, Chris Atkinson, District 12, Becki Fishwick, Ben Lewis and Josh Taylor.

The sponsored stocks are back for those feeling the need to suffer some light-hearted cruelty and be hit with wet sponges.

A carnival queen will be crowned and her family allowed on to Coronation Hall's balcony to watch her lead the parade.

Food stalls, dance competitions and bouncy castles and much more.

How much money do they want to be raised?

Every contribution helps but last year an incredible £3,000 was raised for the hospice.

What about parking?

Those coming to the carnival from outside Ulverston will need to be aware of all the road closures in place.

From 12pm until 4pm no vehicles are allowed in to Ulverston.

There are closures on the following:

Daltongate

Soutergate

Stanley Street County Square

Brewery Street

Swan Street

Police are asking residents to plan ahead to avoid any issues.