New Pewsey Carnival chairman Bernie Bradshaw has sent out a message to to say that it’s not the winning but the taking part that counts.

In the programme Mr Bradshaw said carnival had one main purpose: “To build a strong community.”

Pewsey Carnival’s floodlit procession is on September 22 at 7.30pm. However in the village, carnival time is more than just a procession with a fortnight of events – some take place earlier, like the car treasure hunt in July in memory of the late Clifford ‘Cossor’ Goldsworthy, a carnival stalwart all his life.

The fortnight was launched on Saturday with a children’s fancy dress carnival party and disco. Sunday saw the carnival bowls competition and the switching on of the carnival illuminations by the 2012 carnival queen Sophie Bryant.

Monday was cribbage night at the Bowls Club and Tuesday carnival bingo night at the Bouverie Hall; last night there was a quiz night at the Royal Oak; an interactive magic lantern show of old Pewsey Vale photographs in the Bouverie Hall, and a whist drive in the Coronation Hall at Alton Barnes.

Tonight sees the the Four Legged Race for teams of three (over the age of 18). Teams register from 5pm and the race starts at 8pm, calling at six bars en route. The Hasbeens will host a karaoke night tomorrow at the Bouverie Hall, juniors from 7pm and adults from 9pm; and on Saturday the children’s duck race takes place at Scotchel, from 2pm.

Sunday sees a car boot sale 8.30am at the carnival field; three-legged race for under 15s at Coopers Field, 1-5pm; songs of praise in St John’s Church at 6pm followed by a concert by the Kennet Vale Band around King Alfred’s statue. There is another quiz night at the Royal Oak the same night.

Monday brings the Feaste Tea for OAPs, 2.30pm in the Bouverie Hall followed at 7.30pm by the Hasbeens race night (for over 16s only) in the Bouverie Hall, 7.30 for 8pm. On Tuesday the immediate past carnival chairman Richard Giles presents a history talk In The Shadow of the Workhouse in the Methodist Church 7.30pm.

On Wednesday, Cossors sale (from noon) and auction (6pm) will be at the Bouverie Hall; there will be bridge in the Methodist Church hall and at 8pm, starting from the Royal Oak, Pewsey’s own Kings Korner Band parades through the village.

The Wheelbarrow Race is on Thursday, registration from 4.30pm to race at 8pm, and Friday sees an eve of carnival dance at the Bouverie Hall.