HARWICH’S unique annual Guy Carnival returns next week and will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of its popular “big heads”.

The papier mache big heads and decorated floats are set to wind through Dovercourt and Harwich on October 29.

An array of bands and costumes will fill the streets for a procession, which sees people poke fun at topical issues in a tradition known as guying.

The annual event is believed to have been started by the Royal Naval Shipyard apprentices in 1854 in conjunction with remembering Guy Fawkes.

This year also sees the 60th anniversary of the classic Big Heads appearing in the Guy Carnival, having first been introduced to the event by the workers of Parkeston Quay’s Marine Workshops.

Carnival spokesman Chris Root said: “We have got more people taking part on floats than we had last year – we have at least five.

“The fun thing is anyone can take part, you don’t need a float.”

“We have a lot of walking groups taking part, including cheerleaders from Clacton, as well as torch bearers from the rugby club juniors.”

There are still big heads available for those who want to take part.

They can be collected from the Guy Carnival Big Head and Bucket Shop, in the former antiques shop in High Street, Dovercourt.

The shop will be open on Saturday from 11am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday from 11am to 4pm, next Friday, October 28, from 10am to 4pm, and on the day of the carnival, October 29, from 10am to 1pm.

The event, which starts at 6.30pm, is organised by the Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club and raises money for a variety of different causes.