THE carnival in Royal Wootton Bassett will fill the streets with colourful displays and family activities for the 47th year.

Preparations for the 2019 carnival, which started in 1972, are in full swing for this year's event on May 18.

This year will see the return of the famous procession with carnival entrants given the chance to win one of the coveted awards, the Diamond Jubilee Trophy for the overall winner and the Spirit of Carnival cup.

The cup is in memory of founder George Scarrott Senior and goes to an individual who has consistently embodied the spirit of the carnival.

Highlights include The George Scarrott Fun Fair, which is at the Showfield from Wednesday, May 15, to Sunday, May 19, a classic car display on the High Street, and an extended indoor bowls pit to bring younger and older generations together.

Town councillor Sue Hughes said: “It’s so central to the town’s culture, it’s one of those things that brings the community together to share some time and work together. I’ve lived here for 15 years and we’ve gone every year.”

The procession starts from Marlowe Way at 4.30pm and will be led by town dignitaries and carnival royalty, before concluding at the Showfield at around 6pm.

An audience of families and friends at the Angel Hotel ballroom on Saturday applauded the selection of Carnival Royalty for Royal Wootton Bassett's Carnival, to take place on May 18.

Each hopeful young entrant received a certificate of participation. The event was compered by Steve Bucknell, and judges included the Mayor Mike Farrow, Jade Dando (Miss Beauty UK), Sheri Harvey (Miss Wiltshire Atlantic) and Nikki Campbell of Richard James Estate Agents (sponsors).

The Carnival Queen 2019 is Nesta Wade, a 12-year-old pupil of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy. Carnival Princess is Josephine Lee, of Longleaze School. Butterfly Princess is Tiaira Davis, aged four, who goes to Allsorts Pre-School, who won applause when she sang a favourite song for the judges. The Carnival Prince is Oliver McDermitt, seven, of Wootton Bassett Infants School, and the Carnival Pageboy is Blake James, of Old Court Community Pre-School.

Road closures will be in effect as the procession moves through the town, including Marlowe Way, from the junction at Swindon Road with Stoneover Lane, down to Nore Marsh Road and Station Road between 2.30-6pm.

Entry forms are available at the Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council Office and at facebook.com/woottonbassettcarnival.