THE final countdown has begun until the bright lights, electric atmosphere and dazzling illuminated procession of Pewsey Carnival returns.

Stalwart Bernie Bradshaw has stepped down as managing director and Sarah Adams, 50, of Church Street, has taken the reins in organising the biggest event in the village’s calendar, with the help of the passionate carnival committee.

They have been hard at work since last year arranging a jam-packed schedule of activities, with the first taking place next week, from September 4-20.

From karaoke, the Roy Wiltshire window spotting competition to a children’s fancy dress race, the committee has something lined up for everyone.

On Saturday, youngsters got crafty at the Bouverie Hall and painted lanterns ready for the lantern walk at 7.15pm on Sunday, September 13.

“Preparations are going very well,” said Carol Parsons, who is one of the organisers. “I don’t think people realise how hard it is organising everything, but at the end of it, it is really really worth it because there’s a particular carnival spirit within Pewsey Carnival that is so important and that’s what makes it so special.”

New this year is the pre-carnival dance on September 4 and locals are invited to bring their own food and drink, take part in a quiz and put on their dancing shoes to see band Cat N Mouse perform at the Bouverie Hall from 8.30-midnight. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked by calling Chris on (01672) 564136.

Other favourite events include the renowned four-legged event on Thursday, September 10, the wheelbarrow event on Thursday, September 17 and the feast tea for the over 60s which has been running annually since 1898.

“We just go from strength-to-strength trying new things and putting in new events,” Mrs Parsons, from Milton Lilbourne, 49, added.

“It’s an electric atmosphere and Pewsey comes to life. We get people coming from all over the area, some people even come from abroad to enter the wheelbarrow event.”

The team are also looking for people to volunteer as carnival hosts, even if it is just for an hour. Contact Mrs Adams on: 07887925280 or email chairman@pewsey-carnival.org.uk for more details or go to pewsey-carnival.org.uk