ORGANISERS of Pewsey Carnival are looking forward to one of the best processions ever on Saturday, September 21, as weathermen forecast the present spell of settled weather lasting throughout the weekend.

Carnival president John Weston was jubilant about how carnival fortnight has gone up to now. He said: "The Good Lord has been in our favour and the weather has been tremendous."

The good weather has had a beneficial effect on carnival events. The children's duck race on Saturday was a sell-out and the three-legged race was enjoyed by a large number of children and adults.

The carnival's newest event, the Sedan Chair Race, took place for the first time on Friday evening and was satisfyingly hilarious for all involved, both competitors and spectators. Mr Weston said it is a must for next year's carnival.

Eight teams of five entered, all in fancy dress, a total of 40 people, which slightly disappointed the organisers but was excellent for the first running of the event. Two of the teams, who had built their own sedan chairs, were adults while the rest were composed of children over the age of 13.

Carnival committee member Kevin Foulkes said: "What struck me was the large number of people who had turned out to watch the event. That is very encouraging for running it again next year."

The Jubilee Tavern, this year's cabaret show in the tradition of the Tavern in the Town, was a sell-out at the Bouverie Hall on Saturday night, while Sunday's carnival quiz was well supported and places at the Feaste Tea at Bouverie Hall on Monday afternoon were allocated some time ago.

September 19 sees the annual running of the Wheelbeero Race, a great spectacle of carnival fortnight, almost as eye-catching as the procession and an event not to be missed.

Organised by Tony Kimber and his team, the rules involve teams of three, all in fancy dress, and a wheelbarrow. One pulls the barrow, one sits inside and the other pushes from behind. Each team must then drink one pint of beer in each pub they pass en route. There are prizes for the winners and for the best fancy dress, while all who finish receive a medal which they richly deserve!

September 20, Friday night sees the Eve of Carnival Ball take place at Bouverie Hall from 9pm to 1am, featuring the 'ultimate tribute band' Queen'ed, plus a supporting disco.

But Saturday September 21 is the big day. The Wiltshire Carnival Queen and Carnival Princess Contest finds carnival royalty from all over the county converging on Bouverie Hall at 2.30pm to find out who is the fairest of them all.

Carnival Queen Emma Dainton and her attendants, Shona Ritchie and Danielle Robb, will lead off the festivities on Saturday evening as the procession wends its way from the Carnival Field at 7.30pm.

Procession organiser Kevin Foulkes confidently expects at least as many entries as last year when 77 entries, from floats mounted on articulated lorries to walking groups of up to ten people, will wind through the narrow streets of the village, past houses and shops specially decorated for the occasion.

The police expect that in the region of 30,000 people will attend from all over the South and West of England.

Carnival president John Weston has warned that this year streets will close from 6pm. He said: "There is ample parking space on all roads leading into Pewsey but anyone visiting friends or relatives in the village should be aware they should arrive before 6pm because the roads will be closed from then, rather than 7pm as in previous years."

But the procession is not the end of things. The carnival continues on Sunday with a thanksgiving service and band concert in the Market Place, featuring Cricklade Town Band. Miss Dainton will also be drawing the lucky programme number.

On Saturday September 28, Pewsey Vale Rugby Football Club has a camel racing and curry night at the Golden Swan rugby room, starting at 7pm.