Wroughton carnival organisers are determined the show will go on even though they've had to scrap the traditional parade because of Covid restrictions.

Two years ago the village enjoyed one of it's biggest and best carnival days, with the procession as a centrepiece of the celebrations. Last year it had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.

But this year organisers are going ahead, although without the floats, marching bands and walking parties.

Committee member Louise May said: “We have made the decision to carry on with it so we want people to know it’s back on. Since we’ve announced it, people are saying they’re really looking forward to it as there hasn’t been anything on for them to go to.”

“It will be Covid-friendly with some dancers and entertainment as well as judging for the fancy dress competition.”

Preparation is well under way for the event on July 3 when there will be a funfair, ferret racing, a dog show featuring the pooch with the waggiest tail and best rescue, as well as stalls.

There will be a stage with music from a variety of bands like Ukey Dukes and What the Pluck along with Swindon 105.5.

Carnival chairman Beverley Margerison said: “We normally expect to get around 4,000 people on site but they won’t all be here at the same time, so we’re within the criteria to run the event.”

“There has been lots of consideration and we’re fairly confident we can keep everyone safe.

"We can’t do the parade because we can’t guarantee social distancing with people watching stood close together, so it’s on the field instead.”

“This time there will be static exhibitions - a steam engine, fire engine and we’re hoping to have some world war two vehicles.”

She added: “Hopefully it should be a great event. We’re hoping some of the pubs may put on entertainment as some have said they will.

"It’s usually well-attended so we hope people keep safe and enjoy it."

The event was originally started as a way of collecting donations for the Victoria Hospital, in Old Town, before the NHS was formed.

It gradually developed and became Wroughton Carnival in the 1920s

After briefly being cancelled in 2014, it was resurrected to great success, proving to be one of the most popular and colourful events for the area.

The organisers are hoping to attract more entries for the fancy dress contest and would also like to hear from anyone who can volunteer to help run events.

The fun starts at noon on the Weir field, Devizes Road, behind the Wroughton Club and runs until 6 pm.

Email wroughtoncarnival@gmail.com for more information about entering and volunteering.