ALL the fun of the carnival is set to hit Kidderminster on Saturday and large crowds are expected to turn out in force to enjoy the popular annual capers.

Organisers are hoping the sun will shine on this year's event, which is packed with entertainment for all the family.

The street procession, heralding the start of the carnival, will set off from New Road at noon and the colourful parade will wind its way through the town, reaching the Brinton Park showground by about 2pm. Judging of the parade entries will start at 11am.

Leading the procession will be carnival queen, Rebecca Adderley, and her entourage in an open-topped carriage. Travelling with them will be the crocus queen of Husum, Kidderminster's twin town in Germany.

Attractions in the park will include a fairground, a dog agility demonstration, aerobics and dance displays.

There will be children's entertainers, a Cresta run, quad bikes, pony rides, bouncy castle and a radio roadshow.

Money raised from the carnival, the street collection and programme sales will go to the Shuttle/Times & News Operation Covert appeal to rebuild the Rhydd Covert Scout Centre, which was destroyed by arsonists.

Carnival chairman, Colin Hill, said: "Fingers crossed the sun will shine and the crowds will come out to enjoy a great day.

"There are stalls, side-shows and entertainment to suit all age groups, as well as a colourful street parade, which people put an awful lot of effort into."

l There will be road closures in Kidderminster on Saturday while the town's carnival procession takes place.

It starts in New Road at around noon, making its way through Kidderminster town centre and ending up at Brinton Park at 2pm.

Temporary road closures will affect New Road, Bridge Street, Vicar Street, High Street, Worcester Street, Marlborough Street, Castle Road, Wood Street, Chapel Street, Bewdley Road and Sutton Road.