THE carnival atmosphere which has been missing from Evesham's streets for the past seven years returns on Saturday, June 6, with a movie-themed extravaganza that promises to be the biggest the town has seen.

A stream of more than 30 colourful groups including decorated floats, open-topped cars carrying town dignitaries, "film stars" and Carnival Queen 10-year-old Stella Lewis-Painter, led by a pipe band will make up a huge procession of entertainment involving people and businesses from the district. They will follow a route from Crown Meadow, over New Bridge, along Waterside, across Workman Bridge, into Mill Street, up Swan Lane, into the high street and Abbey road before returning to Crown Meadow.

With good weather forecast, the town is expected to be packed to watch the procession and join in the carnival celebrations in Crown Meadow where a host of entertaining activities will be taking place such as Danters fun fair, kids' prize disco, trade stands, charity stalls, food and refreshment stalls selling everything from hotdogs to pork baps and gourmet pies and mash. There will also be real ale and cider on sale.

Karndean Design Floorings, one of the event's sponsors, is running a stand with the chance to win a new floor. Staff are also manning a "Grab a Grand" attraction.

Local veteran farmer Joan Bomford who was named the Countryfile Farming Hero 2015 will be guest of honour at the proceedings and will make up part of the procession.

Live music is a big part of this carnival which continues into the evening and includes Birmingham Blues Brothers, Country Chix, Los Morados, Marabooboo Allstars, Journey2Toto and Viva ABBA.

One of the highlights is a flyover by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight when carnival-goers will be able to witness a genuine Spitfire and Hurricane flying overhead at around 3.35pm.

Bucket collections will be taking place during the procession with all funds collected going towards local charities and good causes.

Several shops have been getting involved by entering a best-dressed window competition on a movie theme which was won by Louise's Florists, in the high street, with a theme on Mary Poppins created by manageress Jenny Martin.

Former Roundtable member Glen Lyon, who has been organising the day's events alongside current Round Table chairman Colin Lewis-Painter, Jon Fairchild past chairman of Evesham Round Table and members of the Evesham Carnival Committee, said the new bridge had made it possible to put the event on again as there was now a safe route for a large number of articulated lorries to cross over the Avon. The old bridge carried weight restrictions and health and safety issues.

"There has been a huge amount of organisation and work gone into the carnival which promises to be an exciting community event which is much bigger than those in the past with lots going on throughout the day and into the night," said Mr Lyon.

The parade begins on Crown Meadow at 12.30pm and the carnival ends with a fireworks finale at 10.30pm.

More details of the event be found on the Evesham Carnival Facebook page.