Claire Andrews at last year's carnival battling a dinosaurORGANISERS are hoping the sun will shine on Purton Carnival this year. Rain fell for much of the two-week event last year.

A packed programme of activities has been organised and carnival committee chairwoman Lynda Warren is keeping her fingers crossed for better weather.

Vulnerable groups in Purton are given a boost each year thanks to the village's summer carn-ival.

The Helping Hand Carnival raises money to give the elderly, disabled and needy special Christmas vouchers, worth £5 each, to buy food and presents.

The carnival, which is now in its 35th year, kicks off on Saturday, June 11 at 7pm with a Royal Party Selections family night at the village hall to pick the King or Queen for the carnival procession, ages 14 and above.

A panel of judges will also choose the carnival princesses and princes from the ages of 11 to 14, and the butterfly princesses and pages up to the age of 11.

Each entrant must write a letter telling the judges why they should be chosen. They also have to sing, dance, play an instrument or read a favourite poem on the night.

Then, for the next two weeks the village will be playing host to 10 different activities, which involve the entire community, before culminating in the carnival procession on Saturday, June 25.

Mrs Warren is hoping the carnival will raise between £3,000 and £5,000.

"I think this year will be the best carnival yet.

"I'm just hoping it's sunny this time round," she said.

All of the money raised goes directly to people who need it most in Purton.

People who want to take part contact carnival secretary Pauline Ward on 01793 770251.

Diary of events

On Friday, June 17, a coffee morning is in the Silver Threads Hall from 10am to noon.

On Saturday, June 18, there is a Mile of Coins. Collectors will be stationed throughout the village from 9am to 1pm. At 7pm in the village hall there is a family country and western night.

On Monday, June 20, there is A Ladies Night Out at 7.30pm in the village hall. Over a glass of wine, women are invited to buy hats, clothing and make up.

On Thursday, June 23, there is a teddy bears' picnic for the under fives in the village hall from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. From 4pm the hall will be taken over by a junior disco for five to 12-year-olds. And at 7.30pm there will be a Kennet Accordion Concert.

On Friday, June 24, there will be a special lunch at the Silver Threads Hall from noon to 2pm. The procession begins at 1.05pm from Witts Lane, headed by Cricklade Town Band and Purton's Solitaire Jazz Majorettes. From noon to 8pm there will be a carnival fete at St Mary's School Field, barbeque and fun fair.

Lyndsay Scanlan