NEWTOWN is gearing up for the Summer event of the year when the carnival hits the town today,  June 10.

The full weekend of entertainment includes a bustling parade, Newtown Silver Band, a car boot, licensed bar, food stalls, a duck race, four surprise guests for the children, donkeys  and all kinds of entertainment.

Assembling at 11am, the parade will set off at 12.30pm, led by Newtown Carnival Queen 2017 Billie-Jo Lloyd and her attendants.

Carnival committee chair Jen Reynolds said: “We have a very good carnival here and that’s no different this year, I think we have a good 15 or 16 floats already lined up.

“It will be all the local talent out on the field, we are using all the town people and locals rather than bringing people in for the entertainment and stalls.

“Emergency services are doing a mock up traffic collision demonstration. There will also be loads of goodie stalls, we’re actually getting really short of space.

“There will be a fun fair, food stalls, raffles, everything you could want.”

Along with the main event on Saturday, the Summer time festivities are planned to last throughout Sunday.

Ms Reynolds added: "We have also got loads on the Sunday. In conjunction with Newtown Silver Band there is a Brass Band Competition, returning for its sixth year at 11am.

“This goes on throughout the day and I think they are going to all be playing together in a grand finale.

“It is picking up every year, there are currently about 11 bands involved.

“We have also ordered the sun so there will be glorious weather all weekend.”

The parade will start its route on Canal Road, turning right on Cambrian Way, down to Commercial Street and then left onto Longbridge Street and Broad Street.

From there it will go down High Street and finish on Back Lane.

Floats and pedestrian award winners will be announced at 2pm

Entry to the events field is completely free, though donations will always be appreciated.

For more on the carnival, email newtowncarnival@hotmail.co.uk or visit the facebook page: facebook.com/Newtowncarnival/