ALL the thrills and spills of the circus are set to come to Pershore when the town's annual carnival returns next month.

The event, which attracts thousands of people to the town, is taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 30.

Organisers have announced that this year's theme will be "Circus of the World" and are promising one of the biggest and most colourful carnivals to date.

A colourful procession will wind through the streets of Pershore from 12.30pm, with schools, residents, and local groups all invited to get dressed up and take part.

The fun will continue throughout the afternoon, with attractions including a circus skills workshop, ferret racing, inflatables, dog show, pony rides, swing boats and a farmer’s market set to entertain in Abbey Park.

Ahead of carnival day there will also be an opportunity to decorate the high street ‘circus style’, with a window dressing competition to take part in.

Last year’s event was an overwhelming success, attracting about 13,000 people onto the streets of Pershore.

Jill Hampton, carnival secretary, is hoping for similar scenes this year.

"We’re hoping that it will be bigger and better than last year," she said. "The site is setting up nicely, with some great stalls. It’s going to be a good bit of family fun.”

Fundraising for the carnival is in full swing, with a well-supported duck race on the river Avon on Easter Sunday raising about £500.

The duck race winner, Hannah Robinson, this week collected her prize from Val Wood and Colin Shepherd.

The money raised from the carnival will help two local charities, Hopscoth pre-school and the South Worcester Life Saving Club.

For more information about entering the carnival procession, email Jessica Frost at procession@pershorecarnival.co.uk or visit pershorecarnival.co.uk

If you are interested in joining the carnival committee, email Jill Hampton at secretary@pershorecarnival.co.uk.