HEREFORD River Carnival is back for the fourth year since it was revived and organisers have made it yet bigger again.

The event on the banks of the River Wye in Hereford is entirely run by volunteers, who work hard throughout the year to put it on.

Around 12,000 people attended the event last year and organisers hope even more will attend this year on Saturday, April 29.

One of the organisers, Polly Ernest, said: "The carnival has grown. It started again in 2014, having been away since the 70s.

"We like to encourage other groups to get involved and almost let them do their own thing as part of the carnival."

This year, for the first time, there is a street performance on the Friday evening which will bring the Mappa Mundi, which is displayed at the cathedral, to life.

Community theatre groups and artists will put on a performance by representing the animals and beasts from the medieval map and the procession will go from the cathedral down to Bishop's Meadow, while a torch-lit river procession decorated with giant mythical beasts glides down the Wye.

A Carnival of Sport is being introduced this year, where people can try out different activities and watch demos on the King George V playing field.

Polly said: "Sport has been underrepresented but this year we are partnering with Halo Leisure to put on lots of sporting activities on King George V playing fields and the hope is that people will have a go."

The carnival procession down the River Wye on the Saturday is at 2.30pm and they have already had 16 entries but are still looking for more.

Artist Tilly Gomersall is working on a new art project and is calling on everyone in Hereford to make a 10cm by 10cm square to form part of a major installation. There are Thursday night square-making socials at De Koffie Pot by the Left Bank.

The Rotary Club Duck Race returns and will take place at 4.30pm.

And for the first time there will be a food village featuring Hereford companies, including Rule of Tum, Beefy Boys, Rocket, Method Roastery, Peter Jones' Bread and more. There is also an Etsy market in the Left Bank, and h.energy village.

There are also two music tents, buskers, a dance tent, circus area and a fun dog show at 11am.

There will be a bike theme for the street procession this year, which is at 1pm, with the help of Shirley's Wheels.

Volunteers are needed on the day to help run the carnival, which runs from 10am to 6pm in Castle Green, High Town, Bishop's Meadow, King George V playing fields and the Left Bank.

For more details go to www.rivercarnival.org.