Malmesbury’s summer of spectacle continues as the first of the town’s carnival events start this week.

Attractions range from a performance of Lewis Carroll’s Alice and a pet and teddy show to tribal belly dances and jazz.

The festival launched on Tuesday, with 45 events running over the next month culminating in the carnival 10k run, the procession and a thanksgiving service at the Abbey.

The Athelstan Players are among those kicking off festivities this week with a carnival revue based on the theme of ‘the movies’ opening tomorrow (Thursday) and running until Saturday at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Hall.

Christine Butler, the Athelstan Players’ director and choreographer, said: “This year there will be sketches, singing, poems, and all the usual elements of a revue.

“Athelstan Players have been performing in the carnival for years and all of the money we raise goes back to the carnival.

“Each year the carnival grows a lot. It was just three days when I moved here 40 years ago. It is part of the history of Malmesbury; it’s something Malmesbury does well and it’s really nice to be part of it.”

Some of the performances, featuring a cast of 20 adults and 10 children, will include music from Grease and St Trinians.

Tickets are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Malmesbury Town Hall or online at www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk

Other events taking place in the next week include bluegrass and folk act The Carrivick Sisters on Wednesday, August 7.

Walks and talks, a quiz night and the open gardens take place on Saturday and Sunday August 10-11.

Comedian and author Tony Hawks, whose TV credits include Have I Got News For You, will screen the film Playing The Moldovans At Tennis followed by a question and answer session on Friday, August 23, at 7.30pm.

A carnival spokesman said: “The aim is to beat the £18,000 given to local sports clubs, Scouts and Guides, children’s groups, schools and care and support groups in 2012.”

Groups that could benefit from the funds raised can apply using the application form at www.malmesbury carnival.co.uk