A sense of anticipation is sweeping across Port Douglas in readiness for Carnivale 2016, which officially kicks off on Friday.

The much loved food and entertainment festival will ride a wave of positive momentum into this weekend, with the town already raving about the quality of a number of lead-up events held at the Wonderland Spiegeltent.

New Carnivale organiser Knockout Events - based in Melbourne - promised to bring world-class entertainment to the region and they haven’t disappointed, with Cabaret Limbo in particular popular with punters.

Attention now turns to Carnivale weekend with more than 10,000 people expected to pour into town over the three days.

“Port Douglas Carnivale continues to grow and evolve and this year under the new management…it has been taken to a whole other level,” said Tara Bennett, Executive Officer at Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree.

“The festival is a huge drawcard for visitors not only from within Queensland but also Australia wide with previous event statistics showing that 50% of the people that come through during this time are from outside the region.

“There are a lot of beds and restaurant seats to fill in May but as the event gets closer we are starting to see occupancy increase as people take up last minute deals.”

The Speigeltent is the showpiece of Carnival under the palms at Dixie Park, featuring comedy, cabaret, theatre, music and more.

Kick starting the party will be the Paradise on a Plate Longest Lunch tomorrow (May 20), which will celebrate local produce by gun chef Tommy Young from Port Douglas Catering and Events.

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The action then fires up around Market Park with activities from 5pm and the annual street parade starting at 6.30pm. A fire works display is scheduled for 9pm.

The popular Family Beach Day will be held on Saturday (May 21) at Four Mile Beach, before one of the showcase events, Port on a Fork Food, Music and Wine Festival, kicks off Rex Smeal Park. The festival is headlined by Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows.

Wrapping up Carnivale 2016 will be the The Fishermen’s Village Seafood Music Festival on Sunday (May 22) from 11am.

For an electronic Carnivale 2016 Program CLICK HERE.