Carnivale organisers are expecting record crowd numbers as Port Douglas prepares to throw the biggest bash in the event's history. 

Event General Manager Roy Weavers was joined by Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey to promote the event at the Sugar Wharf in Port Douglas on Thursday.

Mr Weavers said more than 25,000 visitors were expected to flow through Port Douglas over the next ten days in what could be the most-well attended Carnivale since the festival started two decades ago. 

"I'd be surprised if we didn't get up on last year," he said. 

"About half the people visiting will come through on each of the weekends. 

"We may get slightly more because there are so many things to go to."

Engaging the community had been a major part of building up excitement for the event this year Mr Weavers said. 

"We made a decision to make the sponsorship lower this year," he said. 

"Instead of asking for $5000 we asked ten people for $500 and we've had a lot of thanks over that.

"A lot of the tradies in all of the shops have said thanks a lot because we can now get involved. It's been brilliant."

Carnivale will start on Friday evening with the annual Macrossan Street Parade with a host of events throughout the week to keep people entertained Mr Weavers said. 

"The first weekend is very family oriented so we've added in the street art and music festival and a comedy show and fashion show so we keep the momentum going all the way through,"

The final weekend will feature a seafood extravaganza, a food and wine festival and 'Taste of Port Douglas' showing off the region's finest produce.

Hundreds of guests in the region for the Australian Tourism Exchange [ATE] in Cairns this week are expected to take part in Carnivale's festivities Mr Weavers said. 

"Believe me, we will be cramming them in," he said.  

Ms Stuckey said ATE had generated around $10 million for far north Queensland. 

For more information on Carnivale, visit the website www.carnivale.com.au.