CARNIVAL week in Marlborough is looming with the prospect of entertainment for all the family, said chairman Rob Dickens.

The Dickens family, Rob and his wife Angie and their two children Kevin and Lorna, stepped in to steer the event when it looked as if there would be no Marlborough carnival in 2004.

Mr and Mrs Dickens had been chairman and secretary of the carnival for several years previously and rather than see the event fall flat on its face they came out of retirement to help organise it.

The carnival activities will follow the traditional format with one major exception: the procession is back on a Saturday, September 11.

For many years after the Marlborough carnival week was revived in the early 1970s it was held at Whitsun with the procession on the Saturday at the end of half-term week.

In recent years it has been held on the second Sunday in September to fit in between Devizes and Aldbourne carnivals the previous week and Pewsey the following week.

This year the committee has reverted to Saturday but the only event in the town centre will be the procession after it leaves the Common at 5.30pm.

Mrs Dickens said: "One of our main concerns has been for the town's shopkeepers and traders who have already had to put up with a large number of street closures this year because of the 2004 charter anniversary celebrations.

"The carnival committee depends on local businesses for goodwill so instead of seeking the closure of the High Street for a day we have decided to hold all the daytime events on the Common.

"The High Street only has to be closed for the procession on the Saturday and by the time that starts most shops will have closed for the day."

Carnival week starts on September 5 when there will be a walking treasure hunt. On September 7 there will be a quiz night at the Royal British Legion Club in St Martins.

On September 8 a variety night with a host of local entertainers will be staged at the town hall. Tickets cost £5 and are available at the Gazette office in Kingsbury Street or on (01672) 515171. September 10 sees the carnival dance in the town hall with music by Celebration, and £8 tickets are obtainable from Leightons opticians or on (01672) 515171.