This year’s Trowbridge Carnival, which returns to the town next Saturday night, is promising to be one of the best yet.

The parade will set off at 7pm, with a mixture of large and small floats, bands, walking groups and individuals, winding its way along Canal Road, The Down, Islington, Timbrell Street, Union Street, Church Street, Silver Street, Market Street and Castle Street before being dismissed in Bythesea Road.

Rolling road closures will be in operation along sections of the route between 3pm and 11pm. Organiser Maryrose Mantle said: “It’s looking very positive. We’ve had a lot of response, not just from the Wessex Carnival Circuit but from mainly clubs and individuals who have been doing carnivals for quite a few years and are very colourful and bright.

“As well as the floats, we’ve got a quite a lot of walkers, with quite elaborate costumes, so that’s good, but we could always do with more.

“This has been a great year, with the Jubilee and the Olympics, so perhaps people might want to carry on that theme?”

Mrs Mantle added that she could not give away too many details, but was looking forward to two large floats in particular, together with the first appearance of Swiss carnival band the Harlekinos. She said: “Hot Rocks Carnival Club, which does have members from Trowbridge, is going to be very, very striking. I’m also looking forward to Revellers Carnival Club.

“We’re at the end of the Wessex circuit, so all the entrants are looking for votes. We’ve got three marching bands, including the Harlekinos from Switzerland. “They are a carnival marching band and, being from Switzerland, they will be dressed differently.”

Mrs Mantle added that she thought this year’s event could be one of the biggest and best yet.

“From the entrants and the interest shown, it’s looking very good,” she said, adding that she hoped the event would draw a large crowd. “Families, friends, we just want to get everyone out and, hopefully, digging deep. The money collected covers our costs and any excess the committee will be looking to donate to local charities, so it’s a great cause.”

To enter or volunteer as a steward, contact Mrs Mantle on 01225 765072 or maryrose.mantle@trowbridge.gov.uk