More than 60 events will take place during Malmesbury’s largest ever carnival – exactly 90 years since the word carnival was first attributed to the town’s annual summer event high jinx.

The Malmesbury Hospital Carnival first took place in July 1925 when the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort judged the fancy dress parade.

The town’s largest annual event has changed beyond recognition since then and will last for seven weeks when the proceedings get underway at 6pm on Saturday, July 18 with the Butterfly Queen and Carnival Prince selection at St Mary’s Hall.

A diverse range of activities and entertainments – with the organisers promising “something for everyone” - have been lined up.

They include a wine tasting dinner, local historian Bob Browning’s nostalgia evening and the traditional bike ride along scenic lanes in and around Malmesbury.

Also organised penciled in are a variety of music events, street theatre, bat walks, cream teas, line dancing and children’s storytelling, along with a raft of other activities from bingo to comedy.

It winds up when thousands of people line the streets for the grand procession during the first weekend in September.

Malmesbury Carnival has also become a huge boon to an array of local bodies and charities.

Last year the organisers amassed £18,000 - £10,000 of which was donated to organisations in and around Malmesbury.

Times, ticket prices and venues can be found at www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk