EXCITEMENT is growing in Chippenham as the town prepares for its annual Carnival on Saturday (July 14).

Running from 12-8pm, Island Park will be full of market stalls, craft stalls, food stalls, and an array of activities and entertainment for all of the family to enjoy.

The Carnival will be kicked off by Chippenham Dance Academy with a special stage performance in Island Park.

Throughout the day there will be a range of live music from local artists and music groups including Chippenham Ukuleles and Chippenham Rock Choir.

Chippenham Comedy club will be providing a barrel of laughs and Clogs Musical Theatre will be putting on some classic show tunes.

Visitors will have plenty to do throughout the day. Alongside children's rides and funfair stalls. there will be a climbing wall and zip wire, a picnic zone, and workshops including circus skills for those who fancy having a go at juggling and unicycling.

The official ringmaster will host a fancy dress competition at 2pm at Island Park with the Mayor of Chippenham Cllr Andy Phillips before the Carnival King, Queen, Prince and Princess are crowned at 3pm at Emery Gate Shopping Centre.

Cllr Phillips, said: "I am very much looking forward to this marvellous community event for Chippenham. There will be so many fun activities and entertainment for all the family all taking place in the centre of town."

The eagerly anticipated procession begins at 7pm, with over 20 community groups, youth clubs, businesses and sports teams touring the town centre, including the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, and the New Male Majorettes, two brand new Teslas from Aaron and Jonathan Bewley Funeral Directors, and the White Horse Samba Band.

Joined by this year's carnival royalty, sponsored by Emery Gate Shopping Centre, the procession will be made up of a range of walkers and floats supported by buses from event sponsors, Faresaver.

Leader of Chippenham Town Council, Sandie Webb, said: “Chippenham Carnival is an important part Chippenham’s heritage and we are so pleased to see its return. Following its success last year, the addition of the float procession will bring even more opportunities for the local community to be involved in such a fun event in the centre of town.”

Kathryn Crosweller of Chippenham Connected, added: “We’re delighted that so many groups have come forward to join in with this year’s Chippenham Carnival procession, it is looking really exciting."