Picture Ref: 76903-37WOOTTON Bassett's 34th carnival is set to put the town in the spotlight with ten days packed with events for all ages.

Mary Harrison, of the organising committee, said: "I'm looking forward to the carnival, and I hope it will be supported by the people of Wootton Bassett."

Crowds from across the county are also expected to attend.

The grand procession, on Saturday, May 21, will be a surprise package.

Mrs Harrison said: "We don't get any entries in for floats until a couple of days before the procession, so we don't know how many people will be taking part.

"Usually the biggest events are the carnival fete and the music night. Considering there are only a few of us on the committee the planning seems to be gelling quite well.

"Some events are organised by other people, which is just as well."

Last year the carnival raised £1,830 for various causes in Wootton Bassett, including a £500 donation to the town's War Memorial Fund.

Mrs Harrison said: "We ask people to write letters to the committee asking for donations."

The carnival kicks off on Friday with the annual summer art exhibition at the civic centre, and a fun quiz night and silent auction in the Memorial Hall.

The grand carnival fete is on Saturday at Noremarsh Junior School.

Brian Taylor, the president of the town's Chamber of Commerce, said: "The business community is looking forward to the window dressing competition, and to playing our part in carnival week."

The competition is one of the regular features of the carnival. Businesses put colourful displays in their windows. They are judged during the week.

Later today Coun Chris Wannell will be installed as the town's mayor for the second year running in a mayor-making ceremony in the Memorial Hall at 7pm.

His charity of the year is Fire Victim Support an arm of the British Red Cross which provides emergency shelter for families who cannot use their homes because of fire damage.

He said: "It is a desperately important charity because when someone has had a fire they are in shock and don't know where to turn to.

"They are left cold and hungry, and in a pretty bad way."

Chris has lived in Wootton Bassett for 40 years, and been on the town council since 1972.

Events on offer

Friday, May 13

Summer art exhibition: Civic Centre, 10am to 8pm

Quiz night and silent auction: Memorial Hall, 7.30pm.

Saturday, May 14

Grand carnival fete: Noremarsh Junior School, 2-5pm

Children's fancy dress Judging: 2.30pm

Fun fair.

Sunday, May 15

Car boot table sale: Memorial Hall, 1pm.

Walking treasure hunt: Civic Centre, 4-5pm.

Monday, May 16

Fire station open evening: 7-9pm.

Tuesday, May 17

Family beetle drive: St Bartholomew's Church Hall, 7-9pm.

Wednesday, May 18

Open pairs cribbage tournament: High Street Club, 7pm.

Thursday, May 19

Tea dance: Memorial Hall, 2-4.30pm.

Friday, May 20

Arts, crafts and hobbies Show: Civic Centre, 1-8pm.

Friday Night Is Music Night: Memorial Hall, 7.30pm.

Saturday, May 21

Grand procession and street collection: from Marlowe Way at 6pm

Unveiling of Rotary centenary clock at Deacons Jewellers, 6pm.

Sunday, May 22

Prize draw: Civic Centre, 3-4pm.

Carnival celebration: Civic Centre, 3-4.30pm.

Fun Fair will be open at Lime Kiln from Tuesday, May 17 at 6pm to Friday, May 20 at 6pm, and Saturday, May 21 at 2pm.