Carnival fever is returning to Malmesbury for the traditional month-long festivities.

The event is set to raise thousands of pounds for local groups under its motto ‘to educate and entertain’.

A bike ride, boules competition, musical performances and family-friendly activities take place in August.

It culminates with the procession and 10k run on Saturday, September 1.

Carnival committee secretary Jackie Morris said: “The programme went out in the last week and we have sold quite a lot of tickets.

“Malmesbury Tourist Information Centre is selling tickets for us this year for the first time and we are selling tickets online, which is a new thing for us.

“Everything is in place. We had our last meeting and we are just raring to go now.”

The festivities are launched on Monday by former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, who will talk about his book, Silver, at Malmesbury School, Corn Gastons, at 7.30pm.

A music quiz takes place on Tuesday at 7.30pm at The Horse Guards, Brokenbor-ough, while a 20-mile bike ride will be held on Saturday, August 4, meeting outside The Bell Hotel at 10.30am.

Among the many attractions for children will be a family walk and picnic on Saturday, August 11, at 3pm, meeting outside The Bell Hotel. Tickets cost £2 for adults. Call (01666) 824848.

Mrs Morris said: “We’ve got something for everybody.

“Hopefully we haven’t missed anybody out.

“It’s a busy time for us and it’s always exciting for us to see it come together. We are a registered charity this year and the purpose is to educate as well as fundraise.”

A Spot the Royalty competition has been organised by the Chamber of Commerce.

Children can solve clues in shop windows in the High Street to identify various royal figures marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The competition begins on Wednesday.

The Athelstan Players will be performing A Touch of Nostalgia, looking back at the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s at St Mary’s Hall, on August 2–4 at 7.30pm.

For more, email enquiries@ malmesburycarnival.co.uk or call (01666) 823921/824361.