This weekend will see Presteigne Carnival return to the grass of Went’s Meadow with familiar faces and plenty of new and exciting ones.

The event, on Saturday, July 16, will play host to the annual floats and fancy dress competition which will take place on the John Beddoes School yard with judging starting at 12pm and anyone in fancy dress will get free entry into the carnival.

The procession of entrants will take place down the high street from 12.45pm and will be led by contemporary bagpipe artist Dave Tunstall. This year’s carnival queen, Georgie Roberts, will be accompanied by her attendants, Lloyd Black and Nieve Vaughan, and will take part in the procession.

The official opening of the carnival and the crowning of the carnival queen will be held by Deborah Moggarch – famous author of among other novels the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

This year will also see Hawkeye Falconry welcomed onto the field where they will be showing off their talented Birds of Prey in two flying performances throughout the day and will also be around all afternoon for the chance to get a bit more up close and personal.

The carnival will also welcome Nicole et Martin back to the town, where they will be wowing people with a number of shows in the week running up to carnival day but you can also catch ‘The Musicians of Bremen’ at 5pm during the carnival. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://billetto.co.uk/en/events/musicians-of-bremen-presteigne.

It’s not too late to get your competition entries in so whether you fancy yourself as the next Mary Berry or have been lovingly growing that longest stick of Rhubarb in garden for the past few months make sure you pick up a leaflet and get your entry form in by Wednesday July 13.

New for this year, is the scarecrows competition. Pre-entry is not necessary, but scarecrows must be at the field by 11am for judging, this year’s theme is –‘Going for Gold!’

There will also be a competition from 3pm to find Presteigne’s next town crier, anyone interested should contact Colin Kirkby on 01544 267811.

Old favourites, the annual football tournament and the dog show will also return along with the carnival car boot and anyone wishing to pre-book a boot should call Ruth Kirkby on 01544 267811.

Headlining the evening events will be the fantastic Ish Kabibble, a Swing Band from Bristol set to raise the roof and get your feet tapping – a definite must see.

Carnival goers can also enjoy a tipple at the Carnival Bar serving up a quality selection of local Ales and Ciders, perfect for washing down the array of local producers on site to tickle your taste buds.