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DANCING shoes will be getting a dusting down in Wootton Bassett today - in preparation for the town's carnival.

Organisers, who are staging the event in May, are expecting thousands of people to turn up.

Chairwoman of the carnival committee, Gillian Hughes, 33, said: "It is more special I guess since everything's been prepared in five months, rather than in the year we would normally have.

"The previous two events were held in September because of roadworks in the High Street."

The carnival has 22 float entries this year and will include the Bournemouth Carnival Band, Chinese Lion Dancers, Devizes Samba Band, Britannia Majorettes and the Cricklade Silver Band.

It will also have a show of jousting knights, which is a new addition to the event.

"We started planning and organising things as soon as the last carnival ended," said Gillian.

"These things usually take an entire year to plan.

"The fact that we've managed to do it in less time is a testament to all the hard work.

"My main aim is to keep the carnival going. It's a great community event and gets everyone out and about and the kids absolutely love it.

"Carnival queen Alecia Gardiner and the new mayor Mike Leighfield will be in the procession which will be led by our town crier Owen Collier.

"Last year was brilliant. We had nearly a thousand people turn up in spite of the pouring rain, so this year, as long as it stays dry I'm sure there will be a lot more people.

"It's a time for the community to come out together and have a good time which I am sure they will."

Former Wootton Bassett mayor and town councillor Audrey Wannell will be there.

She said: "It is the biggest event in the social calendar of the community and I expect a lot of people will turn up.

"Everyone, especially Gillian Hughes, has worked really hard to get everything done and I am sure it'll be a great day.

"Apart from hoping that it will be a dry day I hope it will attract people from not just the Wootton Bassett area but also from Swindon and the surrounding areas.

"It's just such a great event and I know everyone always looks forward to it."

If anyone is interested in volunteering as a marshall on the day, they need to meet on the green at the high street end of Marlowe Avenue at 1pm.

For more information visit www.woottonbassettcarnival. com

3:48pm Friday 16th May 2008

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