THE carnival is set to make a colourful return to Worcester.

After an absence of more than 20 years - and a near miss last year when it was cancelled four days before it was due to take place - a parade will make its way through the city streets again.

The parade of walking groups and floats will take place at 2pm on Saturday, July 1.

In a change from the format of previous years, the carnival will be spread throughout the city centre rather than being at Pitchcroft.

Organisers say that will help enhance the atmosphere and help local businesses to benefit, rather than taking the crowds away from the city.

There will also be a funfair, fun activities and a community stage which will be buzzing with local acts until 8pm.

It will also see the crowning of the first Carnival Queen in over two decades with lots of stalls and attractions.

Worcester Carnival President Alan Feeney said: “The work that the committee has done has been nothing short of phenomenal.

"Many people don’t realise just how much work goes into putting these kind of events on, and also just how much has changed since the carnivals of old.

"But the team has worked really hard to put on a great event for Worcester; an event that will go from strength to strength as the years go on.

"I am incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

He added: “We are a brand new organisation representing a new carnival brand and taking into account how regulations and tastes have evolved.

"People will no doubt see differences to the carnivals of decades ago, but what they will find to be just the same is the fact that they will have a great day out.”

Road and car parks will be closed for the carnival. 

Cornmarket car park will be closed from 5pm on Friday, June 30, until 10pm on Saturday, July 1. 

Croft Road car park will be closed from 5pm on Friday, June 30, through to 4pm on Saturday, July 1.

The car parks are closed to be the space for the carnival's fairground on Cornmarket, and for the carnival floats to be on Croft Road car park.

On Saturday, July 1, these roads will be closed between the hours of 1pm and 4pm: Grandstand Road, Croft Road, Dolday, Deansway, College Street, City Walls Road (northbound carriageway only), All Saints Road, Charles Street, Pump Street, High Street, The Cross, The Foregate, Foregate Street and Castle Street. Worcester Bridge will also be closed to inbound traffic.

New Street and the Cornmarket will be closed to traffic on Saturday from 7am until 11pm.

There will also be a rolling barrier around the pedestrianised areas of the city centre to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those in the parade as well as local visitors and shoppers.