A BRIGHTLY dressed harlequin visited the centre of Chippenham last week to help promote the town's revival of the much loved carnival season and parade.

Arlo the Harlequin joined members of the Chippenham BID and Chippenham Town Council in the town's hotspots last Wednesday (July 12) to promote the carnival, which will return from its 16 year absence on August 12.

“We are so excited to be involved with bringing back this much-loved event," Kathryn Crosweller from Chippenham BID said. "I’ve spoken to at least a hundred people in the last week about it and every single person has been enthusiastic about the Carnival returning to the streets of Chippenham. It’s great!”

Applications for the carnival, which will include a walking parade starting at the Bridge Centre roundabout, up through Ivy Road, around the iconic Chippenham arches, along New Road and the High Street before ending in the Market Place, have started to flood in. Entertainment will run at The Island from 12-8pm.

Councillor Sandie Webb, the leader of the town council, said: "The Carnival has a great history in Chippenham and we are so pleased it is returning to the town. It's an event which has something for everyone to get involved with."

For more information about sponsoring the carnival email marketing@chippenhambid.co.uk or to take part or volunteer on the day visit www.chippenhamcarnival.co.uk for more details.