CARNIVAL fever hits Blandford this week with thousands of revellers expected to enjoy a feast of music and colour.

The main action takes place on Saturday (September 11) with a children's walking parade through the town in the afternoon and the grand parade in the evening.

As well as a number of floats and scores of walking entries, crowds will be able to soak up music from several bands and a dance troupe.

Carnival committee chairman Lilian Jones said: "I've been involved for more than 30 years and it's a great event in the town's calendar.

"Apart from the Georgian fayre and us, there's not a lot for local people, but they really enjoy coming out and getting in to the spirit of the carnival."

Junior Princess Sophie Pitman and her attendants Rea Lillywhite and Donna Murray will be joined by Miss Teenager Megan Hoilis at the head of the evening procession which leaves the Bradley Estate around 7.30pm.

The parade will make its way up the hill to Kings Road, past the fire station, through the town before disassembling in Safeway car park.

Youngsters taking part in the children's procession will set off from the Blandford School at 2.30pm and walk down Salisbury Street through to Crown Meadows, where a fair is being staged between September 8 and September 11.

Other activities during the week include bingo at the Corn Exchange at 7.30pm on September 8 and a duck dash on the River Stour at 7.30pm on Thursday September 9.

Mrs Jones thanked her family and those of fellow committee member Shirley Collier for all their support in organising the event.

First published: September 7