Excitement is building ahead of the long-awaited return of the Malmesbury Carnival, after 2020’s events were forced online.

This year's event features more than 40 events to bring enjoyment and inspiration to attendees of all ages.

Music events range from an afternoon of jazz to Bob Dylan tribute nights, and to popular local bands playing in the cloisters.

Meanwhile the Athelstan Players and The Last Baguette will be on-stage delighting audiences with their latest plays.

Popular television formats have been adapted for the entertainment of Carnival goers, including Carnival Taskmaster, which features Channel 4's very own Alex Horne who has also sent a special video message ahead of the event.

Other exciting events planned include the Call My Wine Bluff and the Sewing Bee Recycling Challenge.

A range of talks will be also be on offer while a guided bat walk will give people the opportunity to find out more about some of Malmesbury’s wildlife.

Paul Overton, co-chair of the Malmesbury Carnival committee said: “We are delighted to bring back Carnival for residents and visitors to Malmesbury this summer.

"Our dedicated committee of volunteers has been working hard to ensure we can put on another spectacular event and it will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together again.”

Malmesbury Carnival has been running for close to a hundred years, which aims to raise funds which are put back into the local community, as well as bringing the community together at our many events. 

It’s one of the few carnival and festivals in the local area organised and run entirely by volunteers. 

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Mike Harding, also co-chair of the Malmesbury Carnival committee added: “Many people think that Malmesbury Carnival is just about the procession through town, but it’s so much more than that.

"We have a varied programme of events catering for all ages and interests so there should be something for everyone. Safety is our number one priority as we ease out of Covid-19 restrictions. We have taken a number of steps to ensure that we can deliver all events safely and we hope this will bring peace of mind to attendees of Malmesbury Carnival.”

Usual family favourites also include:

• Petticoat Lane street market – Sunday 29 August

• Carnival Procession – Saturday 4 September

• Danter’s Fun Fair – Thursday 2 September – Saturday 4 September

The Malmesbury Carnival committee says it is hugely grateful to this year’s sponsors, all of whom help to ensure the continuation of the event for the benefit of the town.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Carnival in years gone byThe Carnival in years gone by

Tickets are now on sale and available to buy at www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk and they can also be bought at Malmesbury Town Hall Information Centre.

The full programme of events can be viewed on the event website and is also in the current edition of ‘Jackdaw’ magazine, delivered to most homes in Malmesbury.