CARNIVALESQUE excitement returns to Malmesbury this month with a packed programme of events planned up until September.

Everything from professionally staged theatre shows and wine tasting, to a top UK bluegrass and folk act, a teddy bear show and comedy nights will be performed throughout Malmesbury Carnival and Festival, which begins on July 30.

Spokesman Lesley Wood said: “This year we have added the word ‘festival’ to reflect that it is really a broad range of entertainment and culture on offer. It’s a real mix; it’s fantastic.”

Organisers hope to exceed last year’s fundraising total of £18,000, which is given to local groups and charities.

Mrs Wood said: “The festival is a community event for Malmesbury and the surrounding towns and villages. We want people to buy tickets from the web as lots of events are selling fast.”

Among the performances will be Heartbreak Production’s take on Alice and Romeo and Juliet.

Spokesman Nicci Selby said: “It’s an absolutely fabulous venue. In our productions you will get the Romeo and Juliet you know, but it has that added extra, but it’s our take on the story.

“We are renowned for our quirky approach to productions where we try to tell a story within a story.”

Romeo and Juliet will be told from the perspective of market traders who support opposing football teams.

For details visit www. malmesburycarnival.co.uk