THE Celts are coming to this year's Malmesbury Carnival in force. Visitors will be able to enjoy Welsh wine and cheese, before hearing the tales of Welsh storyteller Cat Weatherill.

Moving across the water, the Irish whiskey will be more appropriate to appreciate the traditional music of talented band Nuada.

Other new groups in this year's programme include Malmesbury Art Society and The River Valley's Trust, and in total there will be a bumper 30 events.

The carnival committee, however, is urgently appealing for the town to join in and enter floats in the colourful procession or participate as walkers in fancy dress.

Committee member John Lawton said the aim of the carnival was to entertain people.

He said: "We think this year's carnival will be a great show for everyone. People can go to concerts, music performances and drumming workshops or a silent art auction.

"This is a huge part of Malmesbury's heritage that was going on back in the 1950s. All I can say to people is get your tickets early. We were sold out days before last year."

Tickets for all events are available from the town hall. There will be no entry fee for floats.

The money raised will go to charities and local groups. For information, please contact carnival secretary John Lawton on (01666) 822003 or www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk