ORGANISERS of this year’s Wroughton Carnival are gearing up for their biggest ever event in the village and are on the lookout for volunteers to help make the occasion a roaring success.

The popular event will see thousands descend to Weir Field on July 1 for a jam-packed day full of fun including the much-loved parade through the village.

Jo Porcic, one of the committee members charged with organising the extravaganza said: “The carnival is special every year when it happens because it not only supports one charity but multiple charities. Last year we were able to donate money to 15 different local groups.

“This year we hope to increase our numbers. We are putting on a lot more entertainment in the field and that is in response to the feedback we received last year. People wanted to see more stalls, fun fair rides and we will provide that this year.

“It is a family event and it supports the local community and so as an organiser, you feel so proud to see so many people come out to it.

“We now hope to find people who are able to volunteer their time whether it is for just an hour or the entire day. They have to be over 16 and we have a variety of jobs that people can do which goes a long way.”

This year, the entertainment at Weir Field is bigger and better than before with over 30 stalls from local businesses and charities, live music all afternoon, including a performance from The Tribe - fresh from their show at Glastonbury.

There will also be a dog show from SNDogs, a Danters funfair, a mobile petting farm, ferret racing as well as a whole host of local produce vendors.

Meanwhile, hundreds are expected to line the streets for the procession, with many more expected to take part including pupils from Wroughton Infant School who will climb aboard the floats as the procession makes its way from the Fox & Hounds at 1pm to finish in Weir Field at 2pm.

A number of pre-carnival events have already taken place in Wroughton with a treasure hunt planned for this Sunday afternoon.

Jo added: “There is something for everyone with all of the different groups we have coming along and so their support is really appreciated by us as volunteers because there is only a small group of us putting the carnival together. “For us, we are trying to keep the momentum going and generating enough interest in the village for the future in hope that people want to come on board as committee members. We just want to encourage and inspire because last year two more people wanted to help out.”

There will be a number of road closures in place on the day including the High Street, Wharf Road and Perry’s Lane towards Weir Field.

To find out more or to volunteer, visit www.wroughtoncarnival.com or email wroughtoncarnival@gmail.com