LONG live the carnival is the cry of the new committee who have taken charge of Malmsebury’s big celebration.

A group of 21 has taken on the challenge to make this August’s event bigger and better with new innovations including a food and music night at The Old Bell Hotel, creative writing workshops in the library and a scarecrow trail in the town.

Linzi Field has taken on the secretarial and administration role while Paul Overton is co-chair with Mike Harding. Will Taylor is treasurer and Miles Widnall and Alex Coode are the promotion team.

Paul said: “It’s an event that lasts all of August with the procession on the last Saturday evening of August which this year is the 31st.”

Linzi said: “Everyone gets involved so it brings the community together whether it is the clubs and societies, pubs and shops - everyone joins in.”

The carnival also raises cash for local groups with last year’s total reaching £17,000.