Woolwich’s streets will come alive with costumes, dancing, music and community stalls on Saturday, September 19, as the town hosts its first carnival.

Described by organisers as ‘London best carnival – that hasn’t yet happened’, it is hoped the event will become an annual fixture.

The parade will travel from the Royal Arsenal at 1.30pm through Woolwich, ending at General Gordon’s Square at around 2.15pm, where the celebration continues.

This year the theme is Feeling Good.

Unit 137 - a collective of south east London DJs and musicians - will power the main stage, while local groups such as a steel pan band and dance troupes will provide further entertainment alongside stallholders providing food and crafts.

The carnival has been organisedd by Woolwich Carnival Community Committee - a voluntary group of residents, community groups, art organisations and schools that have joined together.

Prior to the big day, free community workshops will be held around Woolwich by groups such as Emergency Exit Arts, Taru Arts and Dskii Carnival Club.

These are at Barnfield Estate from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday (September 16); Woolwich Common from 4pm to 6pm on Tuesday (September 15); Woolwich Dockyard YMCA from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesdays, September 8 and 15; The Tramshed from 6pm to 8pm tonight (Monday, September 7) and next Tuesday (September 17); and The Tramshed on Wednesdays from 5pm to 8pm and Saturdays from 3pm to late.

For more information about those events, e-mail woolwichcarnival@gmail.com