An abundance of free family fun is promised at the borough's biggest and most spectacular event of the year in Central Park, High Street South, East Ham, from 2pm to 8pm.

The glittering parade starts at 2pm on Saturday from Central Park and weaves its way around Central Park, Cheltenham Gardens, Rancliffe Road, High Street South, High Street North, Ron Leighton Way, Barking Road, Kimberley Avenue and Cheltenham Gardens.

Amongst those taking part in the carnival are pupils from Keir Hardie School, Manor Primary School, New City Primary School, Ranelagh School, St James's School, and residents from the East Ham Community Forum.

Music and dance acts, kids' zone, stalls, a funfair, sports, food, fashion, art and animals are just some of the attractions at the show, which begins with the colourful Newham Carnival procession.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "There's so much to do at this year's Newham Show with something for everyone from a green road show to an Elvis impersonator and best of all most of it is free.

"The carnival is always an exhilarating start to the show with hundreds of people in spectacular costumes dancing through the streets.

"The Newham Show gives people from all over the borough the chance to have fun together. It really is the highlight of the year and is not to be missed. I encourage everyone to make their way to Central Park to see what the borough has to offer."

This year's show has a green theme with information on fun ways for the family to make a difference. The green roadshow will be on hand to help residents make a difference by recycling, growing their own vegetables, saving energy at home or using cotton bags instead of plastic. Visitors can also help build a recycled sculpture and enjoy songs from the We Are What We Do Choir.

The sports zone is the place to be for sporting types whether young or old, professional or beginner. You can try rowing, resistance sliding, table tennis, boxing, martial arts, basketball, handball, hockey, volleyball, rugby, archery and athletics with Olympic Gold medallist Tessa Sanderson.

The fashion and music showcase will display the latest catwalk designs with the opportunity to have the latest nail art done for free. There is also the chance to be pampered with free hair and makeup sessions in the pamper zone.

The music and dance stages will show that Newham's got talent with the work of local performers showcasing everything from African drummers to gospel choirs and hip hop to Bollywood dancing.

Residents who fancy themselves as a dab hand in the kitchen can enter the best decorated cake competition at www.newham.com. Entries will be judged on how elaborate and decorative they are, so whether a cake of a dessert, hot or cold, traditional or original, it is all in the design. The recipe for the winning beautiful bake will be featured in the Newham Mag.

There is no public parking. Spaces are available for Blue Badge holders on a first come, first served basis. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on site. The event takes place on grass. Only guide dogs are allowed. People will not be allowed to take glass bottles or sharp items into the showground and may be searched as a condition of entry.

For more information about the Mayor's Newham Show or Newham's summer events visit www.newham.com/summer or ring 020 8430 2000.