IT'S carnival time in Warminster next Saturday (Oct 26) as the town's residents take to the streets for the annual procession.

Boreham Road will be closed from 4pm to enable the procession floats to line up before the event.

Some town centre streets will be closed from 6.30pm and the procession starts at 6.45pm from Boreham Road.

Sandra Major, the chairman of Warminster Carnival committee, said: "There will be 50 floats and masqueraders in the carnival this year, which is just about the same as last year.

"They will include the Bristol Samba Band and floats from Blandford Forum, Frome, Gillingham, Salisbury and Shaftesbury."

Local clubs and groups taking part include the Oddity Theatre Group, Warminster Rugby Club, the Warminster branch of the Royal British Legion and Funways Soft Play Centre.

Staff on the Funways float have been asked to dress as superheroes or in Halloween costumes.

The carnival is the last one on the Wessex Circuit involving nine towns in Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset.

Many of the floats on the Wessex carnival circuit are made by carnival clubs, companies and groups.

The route is: Boreham Road, East Street, Market Place, High Street, George Street, Silver Street, ending in Church Street.

Mrs Major urged visitors to arrive early, dress warmly, be prepared for large crowds and an hour-long procession.

She added: "Above all, bring plenty of loose change. It’s all done for charity, and it’s a free show, so give generously.

"We will also be having card readers this year and are hoping to raise £2,500 for the carnival."

Two fundraising events are being held before the carnival on Saturday.

There is a open evening at Warminster Fire Station on Monday, October 21 and a fashion show at the Edinburgh Woollen Mill shop in Warminster on Thursday, October 24, both from 7pm.