FINAL preparations are being made ahead of Pershore Carnival which takes place this Spring Bank Holiday.

The popular carnival will again fill the town as crowds enjoy the annual event.

This year’s theme is Fairytales, with inspiration from both classic and modern tales, and from books, film and TV.

The carnival fun begins at Abbey Grounds, with the fairground starting at 10am.

There will also be the farmer's market, fun fair, climbing wall and bouncy castles.

From 11am the fun dog show kicks things off properly in Abbey Park.

And at 1pm the procession begins from Community Stadium in King George's Way heading to Abbey Park.

Proceeds from the bucket collection during the procession will this year go to the Pershore Warhorse Memorial Project, which aims to fund a spectacular statue in Abbey Park.

The carnival officially opens at 2pm, and from 2.20pm arena events get underway hosted by James Locke.

The events include local club demonstrations from Johnson Karate, Pershore Tennis Club and Pershore Rugby Club South Worcestershire Lifeguards - with the chance for carnival visitors to have a go.

On the main stage will be James Locke Roadshow and the evening concert starts on the main stage from 5pm.

And entertainment concludes at 10pm with fireworks.

The carnival king this year is Sam Mardle, aged 10 of Holy Redeemer School, who was also king last year, and the carnival queen is eight-year-old Bella Bromilow of Cherry Orchard School.

Last year's event was the 50th anniversary and enjoyed bumper crowds, and organisers will be hoping for a repeat this year.

Colin Sheperd, chairman of the carnival committee in his message in this year's carnival programme, says: "Is it really that time of year again.

"We want to make Pershore come alive on Carnival Day and what better way than to have a bright and imaginative theme - Fairy Tales.

"I hope you all have a great day."

And Chris Parsons, Pershore town mayor, added: "Let's not forget that many months of planning followed by hard work is needed to make it happen.

"I offer my thanks to all those people who have given so much time to bring it all to completion."

For more details on the event visit pershorecarnival.co.uk