WITHAM’S famous carnival is returning for the biggest and best edition yet.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, July 8, and begins at Witham Rugby Club, in Spa Road.

Floats will gather at the site from noon before the procession starts at 1.30pm.

The variety on display this year is set to be huge, with marching bands, visiting carnival queens, majorette groups, children’s groups, local businesses, dance schools and many many more.

Newly elected Witham MP Priti Patel is set to attend along with Witham Town Mayor JoAnn Williams.

Leading the procession will be the newly elected carnival court.

Queen Lauren Stevens, 14, princesses Emma Hopegood, ten, and Ruby Martin, nine, rosebud queen Angelica Hackett, six, and honorary princess Ella Barden, ten, and prince Leo Rumbelow, 6, have been given the honour this year.

Later in the day, from around 3.30pm, at Maldon Road Park, a programme of eclectic events begins.

Groups like KL Aerial Fitness, Witham Big and Little Sing, 295 Squadron ATC and Rascals Theatre School will be performing to row crowds.

A fun fair is also set to be set up at the park, with all manner of side shows, stalls and community group stalls for the public to enjoy.

Carly Victor, of the Witham Carnival Association, said: “We are really hoping the people of Witham turn out to support us this year as the more money we collect on the street procession the more we can give away to local charities and groups.”

The carnival is organised and run by the Witham Carnival Association, all of whom give their time and knowledge freely as volunteers.

The group is a not for profit organisation and supports different charities in the area with the event every year.

If you are interested in helping out or would like to join the committee, contact Carly on 07769 152330 or chaperone@withamcarnival.org.uk.

Visit www.withamcarnival.org.uk.