The carnival spirit returns to west Wiltshire this month as Trowbridge and Warminster host their parades.

Warminster Carnival’s organisers are promising their event on October 29 will match last year’s, one of the biggest in its history.

The event, more than a century old, is one of the last in the Wessex Grand Prix carnival circuit, and last year boasted 10 large floats and 62 walking groups.

Sandra Major, who has been carnival committee chairman for 14 years, said: “We have lots of events planned although we can’t confirm the exact number of floats yet.

“It will be a fun day, and hopefully the weather will be nice to match.”

Funds raised during the carnival, which last year made £3,000, will be divided between local charities.

Fundraising for the carnival itself gets under way this weekend, with a pair’s skittles competition at the Fox and Hounds on Saturday from 7pm.

A pub quiz will be held at The Organ Inn on Thursday from 8pm, while Saturday, October 22, will see a race night at The Old Bell from 7pm, with a fish and chip supper.

Other events include the Carnival Fashion Show at the Edinburgh Woollen Mill store in the Market Place from 7-9pm on Wednesday, in aid of Cancer Research UK. There will be an open evening at the fire station on Portway on October 24, and bingo at Warminster Community Centre on October 27, both from 7pm.

In Trowbridge the carnival will take place next Saturday. The procession starts at 7pm from Canal Road with viewing finishing at the Longfield roundabout before the parade is dismissed at Bythesea Road.

Among the procession will be a first public performance by the newly-formed Wiltshire Youth Marching Band.

The carnival will be followed by a presentation night and disco for everyone who has taken part in the carnival at the Wesley Road Social Club from 9pm.

For more information on Trowbridge Carnival call Maryrose Mantle, the carnival committee chairman, on 01225 765072 or 07866 698278.