PLANS for Calne Carnival 2004 have finally been revealed, with plenty of chances for the whole community to get involved.

The Carnival Committee held a launch evening last Thursday revealing plans for the biggest ever Calne community event.

Carnival activities will begin at the end of April and lead up to the magnificent street procession on June 12. This year's theme will be The Elements.

A programme of events has been put together with the bulk of events happening in the week running up to the procession.

Calne Carnival Committee chairman Jill Martin said the event was a great way of uniting the community and creating cohesion in the town.

"Calne Carnival exists to bring the community of Calne and its surrounding villages closer together. The carnival aims to provide activities throughout the year that are open to all elements of the community regardless of age, race, sex or economic background," she said.

The carnival programme will include a selection of sporting, artistic and social events that the committee hopes will inspire people to be creative and build confidence in their skills and abilities.

"Modern society creates pockets of isolation. People no longer necessarily have a family support network close by and interaction with neighbours is limited. We hope that by ensuring our activities are open for all we will create a better community spirit," said Mrs Martin.

The new route for the procession will begin at Amberley Close and make its way along Lickhill Road, North Street and finally into town.

The carnival committee hopes the event will build on the success of the Festival of Light held at Christmas in conjunction with the switching on of the lights.

"I was delighted to be part of the lantern workshops. The community spirit which was evident at each workshop made me feel very lucky to be part of the community which cares for each other and displays pride in the area in which we live," said Mrs Martin.

The first carnival event will be the appointment of the carnival royalty, including carnival queen, princess and prince, in the town hall on April 30.

This will be followed by a baby competition on May 1.

Carnival week will kick off with a disco on Saturday, June 5. There will be a big event each day of the week including a teddy bear's picnic, a pool knock-out competition, tug-o-war in the Market Place, a pram race, a five a side knock out football competition, quiz night and a fte.

There will also be a traditional pig roast after the procession on June 12 in Marden House.

The committee is also considering other events including a youth junk band and costume workshops.

The committee is looking for volunteers to help out, including adults who can help with marshalling and crowd control.

The committee would also like to hear from anyone who would like to organise a fund-raising event or make a financial donation to go towards the running costs of the carnival.

An information evening will be held in a few weeks at a date to be confirmed. People will be invited to the town hall to register for events and a Carnival Lottery will be started.

If you would like to help out please contact Jill Martin on (01249) 812941 or Mark Wilkins on (01249) 814000.