The annual Ledbury Carnival will be all at sea this year, and hopefully this will not be due to unseasonal late-summer downpours.

In fact, the weather reports appear to be looking on the sunny side.

The carnival, which annually attracts crowds of up to 10,000 to the town centre, will have the theme of “A Nautical Carnival” on August Bank Holiday, August 26.

It is the single largest one day event on Ledbury’s calendar.

Carnival secretary, Jill Jupp said: “The carnival has been running for more than 40 years now and is a fun day out for all the family.

“The colourful procession of floats, walking groups and individuals in fancy dress leaves the Rugby Club on Ross Road at noon, wends its way down Ross Road to New Street, High Street, The Homend, Orchard Lane until it reaches its destination at Ledbury Primary School; around 1.30 pm. There are road closures in place and diversions for non-carnival vehicles which can be viewed on the Carnival Facebook and Website www.ledburycarnival.co.uk/carnival2019.”

Mrs Jupp added: “Music Pool will be present and there will be a workshop of drums and hand held percussion for adults and children, from 10.45am to11.45 am, at the Rugby Club, with the view to participants then taking part in the procession.

“Car parks in the town will be closed, although there is limited parking in Bridge Street Car Park. The Carnival with the support of Paul Smith and Community Action Ledbury offers a Park and Ride Service which runs from the Ross Road,opposite the Rugby Club, to the Co-op New Street. Parking is only £2.50 for the day, including the return journey on the minibus.”

Entertainment during the day will be by the Community Brass Band; Breaking News and Nice ‘N’ Sleazy.

There will also be a Grand Raffle Draw with £150 as first prize.

Entertainment for children will include Paper Wizard, Looby Lou Face Painting and Joey the Juggler, and Rowlands Fun Fair in both St Katherine’s Car Park and Bye Street.

A wide variety of traders and charities will have stalls in the town centre.

St Michael and All Angels Parish Church will also be running a Pop Up Café in St Katherine’s Hall.

Mrs Jupp said: “Ledbury Carnival is arranged by a small committee of hardworking and dedicated volunteers but it would not be able to take place without the support of local businesses, community groups, joint working with Ross Carnival Committee, Ledbury Town Council, Herefordshire Council and other individuals who go that extra mile with sponsorship, loan of resources and their time, to help us put on a fun filled family day for our lovely town.

“Our heartfelt thanks to them all.”