Portishead carnival bigger and better in 2011

ORGANISERS of this year's Portishead carnival are gearing up for the event to be bigger and better than ever.

The parade through the town takes place on June 18 leaving the Lake Grounds at 12noon before snaking its way through the town to the flower show field.

The parade will be kicked off with a one mile road race through the town which has been organised by Portishead Running Club.

Dozens of runners have already signed up to take part in the event and people can still sign up  at www.portisheadrunningclub.co.uk.

The parade has already attracted more than 20 entries from local schools and businesses and well as individual walking entries.

This year Bristol Mod Scooter Club is also featuring in the parade with a selection of their bikes.

This year the carnival parade will be led by queen Hannah Osment, 18, helped by princesses Lena Parkins and Ellen Bowers.

Lena, 11,has been chosen as this year's carnival princess and Ellen, aged eight, is flower princess.

St Peter's Primary School student, Lena, will be attended by Charlotte Garrett, nine, and Lucie Harris, 11, both who attend Highdown Juniors.

Ellen, who also goes to St Peter's Primary School, will be attended by Emily McCall , eight, and Isabelle Mitchell, seven.

The parade will make its way through the town to the flower show field where there will be a number of attractions, including music from Gee Baby I Love You on the main stage.

There will also be performances from soloists Neil Solman and Liam Derrick from Pill as well as a beer tent and a variety of stalls.

There will also be a range of food stalls selling everything from Jamaican to Asian food as well as fairground rides for the children.

Trophies for the winning floats will be handed out by the carnival royalty at 3.45pm.

The carnival celebrations will reach an exciting climax at the traditional 'after the show' party at the Somerset Hall where local band The Spooks will be taking to the stage.

Tickets for the after show party are priced at £7 and are available from Supersavers in the High Street or from carnival organiser, Wendy Watkins on 07816  050181.

Programmes for the carnival have also now gone on sale, priced at £2.50, which admit a family of four to the flower show field.

For those without programmes, entry to the field is £2.50 for adults and £1 for children.

Money raised from the bucket collections along the parade route and from the attractions on the field will go to local charities.

This year carnival organisers are supporting Portishead Youth Club Angels Appeal to raise £60,000 to help fit out the revamped Harbour Road centre.

Carnival organiser, Wendy Watkins, said: "We are asking the local community to turn out and support the carnival as they always do, lining the streets of Portishead to watch the parade.

"It is the large crowds which always make the event such a special occasions and all we have to hope now is that the sun will shine."