ONE of the longest-running carnivals in Essex is set to celebrate its golden jubilee later this month aiming to raise thousands more for charity.Clacton carnival will enter its 50th year on Saturday, August 9 with an eight-day programme including a donkey derby and pantomime horse race.

ONE of the longest-running carnivals in Essex is set to celebrate its golden jubilee later this month aiming to raise thousands more for charity.

Clacton carnival will enter its 50th year on Saturday, August 9 with an eight-day programme including a donkey derby and pantomime horse race.

The aim is to beat last year's target of nearly £15,000 of donations with this year's main beneficiary of the procession being the Clacton and District Occupational Workshop for the disabled who need a new minibus to transport their clients.

The week of family fun will kick off at 6.30pm on the Saturday with the carnival procession from West Road to the town centre before the sea angling competition in Martello Bay gets underway at 7pm.

As a mark of gratitude to everyone who has supported the event over the years, admission to the 50th Anniversary Extravaganza – the Golden Jubilee Show - on the Sunday will be free.

Visitors will be able to watch the action from 12pm at the Eastcliff sports ground and that evening relax watching the Co-operative Band concert at Princes Theatre at 8pm.

But the fun will really start in a big way when the races come to the resort the following days. However, in true Clacton seaside tradition there will be no horses, only donkeys and pantomime ponies.

A full race card will be on offer for the great Donkey Derby at Eastcliff on the Monday with the animals sponsored by local businesses and hoteliers.

Those surviving the adrenal thrills of the donkey race will be able to watch – or participate - in pantomime horse race in Greensward the next evening.

A children's fancy dress competition and carnival quiz takes place on the Friday and the whole extravaganza will be wrapped up on Sunday, August 17 at 3pm with the celebration concert at West Cliff Theatre.

Full details of the events are available from the Clacton tourist information centre.