The celebrities will begin to roll into town as Port Douglas Carnivale officially gets underway this Friday, May 17th.  Port Douglas Carnivale manager Ken Dobbs said they were expecting in excess of 10,000 people in town over the weekend.

“What a great line up of events we have this year and we couldn’t ask for a better start to Carnivale than with the Longest Lunch leading into a weekend full of different events.”

The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Longest Lunch has always been a highlight for diners who love a touch of celebrity glamour with their meals and this year promises to be no different with Ed Phillips, best known as the host of Good Morning Australia, playing the charming host.

After lunch, all the action can be found in town with the street parade festivities kicking off in Market Park from 4pm.

There is an exhibition race including six men and six lady entrants from the Great Barrier Reef Marathon being held at 6.30pm up and down Macrossan Street.  This is a teaser for the big race scheduled for November later this year. 

Then the main event, The street parade will commence at 7pm with fireworks scheduled for 9pm. On Saturday, put your cooking skills to the test during a special one off master class with Pullman Port Douglas executive chef James Long.

There's lots of fun for the Family down on Four Mile Beach. There will market stalls, beach busking, a Kids Fun Zone and a sky diving display. Don’t miss the Exemplar Clipper Cup, with the beach offering the best vantage of the closing stages of the race.

Saturday night will see Rex Smeal Park once again transformed with decadent tables and restaurant stalls serving up delicious food as it embraces the glitz and glamour of the 1920s at Virgin Australia’s Food, Wine, and a Taste of Port.

The first-time appearance from the Voice’s Mahalia Barnes and Prinnie Stevens, will be a highlight of this extremely popular event that draws a crowd of thousands.

Sunday, revellers can catch their breath with a number of events including The Biggest Morning Tea, QT Resort Recovery Party, Silky Oaks Riverside Tastings and Open Mic Comedy Night.

Between all the activities, Mr Dobbs has urged people to take advantage of the Carnivale Set Menu.  Participating restaurants across Port Douglas are offering a three-course meal for the duration of Carnivale for $50.

Full details of all the Carnivale events can be found on the website: carnivale.com.au