CARNIVAL season is well and truly underway in South Somerset and next stop on the tour is Chard.

This weekend will see both the Chard Children’s Carnival and the main event held on Saturday.

As well as being a family-friendly event, the carnival raises thousands of pounds for local charities.

Speaking ahead of the showpiece, Chard Carnival committee chairman Jason Baker said he and the whole committee were looking forward to a bumper year.

Mr Baker said: “There’s all the last-minute stuff to sort out, but I’m looking forward to a fantastic carnival and obviously keeping my fingers crossed for dry weather.

“If you are able to help with marshalling or could help collecting on the night please get in contact as we need as much help as possible.

“I hope people will dig deep into their pockets and help donate their spare change to swell the overall collection.

“All money raised goes back into carnival funds and is donated to local groups and organisations.”

The children’s event will kick off at Manor Court School at noon.

The route will see entries travel down Mill Lane to Boden Street, up Fore Street past the Guildhall, along Holyrood Street and then back to Manor Court.

This is expected to take less than 45 minutes and roads will be closed at this time using a rolling road block.

A team of Harley Davidson motorcyclists will start the main parade off between 7.15pm and 7.30pm, followed shortly afterwards with the rest of the colourful cavalcade.

The grand carnival procession starts at Numatic in Tapstone Road before it heads up East Street, Convent Link, Old Town, Duck Lane, Crowshute Link, High Street, Fore Street, down East Street and finishes back at Tapstone Road.

There will be a host of awards on offer for entries into the carnival, with each one hoping to secure top spot in their respective classes.

The Chard Carnival has a long and esteemed history, and since it started in 1967, it has been one of the most popular events in Chard.

Representatives from the League of Friends and Chard Youth Centre met to discuss ways in which to raise money for the respective groups.

Gerald Quick, Mervyn Ball, Tom Miller and Wendy Clulow decided that the best option would be to revive Chard Carnival, after a break of 13 years, as a way of raising money for the youth centre and Chard Hospital.

The carnival is now in its 49th year and has raised more than £100,000 for local charities and organisations, including Chard Christmas Lights, Children’s Hospice South West, Chard Hospital, Chard rugby club, brownies, scouts and local schools.

Any group or organisation wishing to be considered for a donation should write to Jason via his email baker.jason@live.co.uk