WOOTTON Bassett Carnival started well on Friday with a memorable concert which drew a large, audience to the Memorial Hall.

Swindon Big Band and guest soloists Ken Jell and Julie Hunt performed a delightful selection of music from the Big Band era.

"It was wonderful one of our best concerts ever, " said carnival president Mary Harrison.

The carnival fete at Noremarsh School on Saturday offered fun for all ages, and some highly ingenious fancy dress.

Four-year-old Reed Griffin, as Bertie Bassett, the winner of the four to seven age group, was awarded the trophy for champion entry overall.

The competition to make a scarecrow, based on a broom handle, was won by Dane Griffin, ten, whose unusual design featured a dragon.

A pet show proved popular, and David Collett, 11, was delighted when his hamsters Sally and Harry both won awards.

The uniformed Wiltshire Militia, who presented a display of 17th century defence, included Capt Owen Collier, who has just been appointed to wear another uniform as Wootton Bassett's Deputy Town Crier.

Members of Swindon Fencing Club showed off their skills and many organisations had profitable stalls and sideshows; there were refreshments, a children's roundabout and a chance to see the local fire engine and to meet members of the crew.

They were publicising an appeal for more volunteer firefighters to join the Wootton Bassett unit of Wiltshire Fire Brigade.

On Sunday, a table sale and treasure hunts were organised, and on Monday the fire station staged its annual open evening for visitors to see the crews and emergency equipment in action.

Thursday and Friday the local amateur artists' summer exhibition takes palce in the town hall.

Thursday evening, children's pavement art competitions will be held at the Civic Centre from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Friday the arts, crafts and hobbies show takes place at the civic centre from 1pm- 8.30pm and a quiz and silent auction at the Memorial Hall at 8pm.

The Carnival Procession on Saturday will assemble at Marlowe Way by 4.30pm, to leave at 6pm for a circular route via Stoneover Lane, Nore Marsh Road, Station Road hill, High Street, Fairfield and Laburnum Drive.

Scarrotts' fun fair is at Showfield from Tuesday to Saturday.

On Sunday a Picnic In The Park at Old Court, with musical entertainment from 3 5pm will round off the carnival.