A MARKET town known for repatriations is gearing up for an altogether different procession.

The newly-crowned Royal town of Wootton Bassett, all too used to the dignified silence of repatriation ceremonies of UK soldiers killed in Afghanistan, is preparing for its biggest and brightest annual carnival yet.

The floats are being constructed, the carnival queen, prince and princess have been chosen and this year there will be a new element with street performers at the event on Saturday, May 21.

And now carnival committee chairman Gillian Hughes is encouraging local groups to put together a float and enter the carnival.

“It’s important for Wootton Bassett to have this event and it’s nice to give something back. It has always been here,” she said.

“It will be a day of celebration, especially with everything that has been going on in Bassett, and we all need a day that is for fun.

“We try to make it bigger and better every year and we are always looking for more local groups to get involved.

“This year we have some entertainment on the High Street, which we haven’t done before so we are hoping it will be a hit.

“We had a few bands come forward and ask if they could perform and we thought it would be a good addition.”

But Mrs Hughes said there was no Royal theme in the entries for the event, even though the town was given Royal status in March.

“I haven’t seen that theme coming through so far,” she said.

“I think most people have settled on a theme in advance and it’s difficult to just change it. Maybe next year, which is our 40th anniversary.”

Street entertainment will be provided in the High Street, near the town hall ,for the first time, with performances by Cricklade Silver Band and Swindon Big Brunch jazz band.

Several groups have already come forward and applied to enter a float including Bournemouth carnival band, Swindon Samba Band and Swindon Allsorts dance troupe.

Those looking to enter a float in this year’s competition should contact Mrs Hughes on 07837 950793 or email woottonbassettcarnival@hotmail.co.uk.