ILMINSTER Carnival is set to return this weekend - bringing with it heaps of entertainment.

The procession is set to kick off at 7.15pm on Saturday, October 6.

The main event follows on from the fantastic buzz of the children’s carnival last weekend.

Brad Amor, of the carnival committee, said: “The streets of Ilminster will be an exciting blaze of colour as the Ilminster Carnival travels through the town.

“The procession of illuminated floats is part of an ancient tradition. The floats can be up to 100 feet long and covered in thousands of light bulbs.

“These magnificent entries consisting of floats, majorettes, walkers and dance troupes are the result of many months of hard work by the clubs.”

Collections will be taking place on the night to ensure the generous tradition of carnival can continue.

Mr Amor added: “We hope to raise as much money as possible to go back into the town of Ilminster and to ensure the carnival continues for years to come.

“The collection on the night contributes to the organisation of the carnival but also allows us to donate money to various charities. This year our chosen charities are the Ilminster Defibrillator Team and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

“Over recent years are collection has increased and this means that we are able to donate more money to our chosen charities which allows them to provide more services and equipment.”

This year a new app has been created to allow to watchers to vote for the best in show.

“We also have a very exciting carnival app which is being launched this year and has been developed by i2i Infinity Ltd,” Mr Amor said.

“The app is called ‘CarniApp’ and can be downloaded from the App store or the Play Store. This app will allow you to vote for your favourite float, walking entry and spirit of carnival. The app is also being used at Wellington, Chard and Taunton carnival, the results will then be collated and announced at the Federation Dinner and Dance on Saturday October 29.

“This app will allow the public to get involved in carnival and have their say on their favourite entry.”

Road closures will be in place from 6pm on the day while the procession gathers.

The route map for the procession

For more information visit ilminstercarnival.co.uk.