ONE of the biggest carnivals Stourport-on-Severn has ever seen is in store for townsfolk and tourists alike on Saturday, September 7.

The Jubilee bash will boast a packed land parade and two spectacular water-borne equivalents, that organisers claim will be the biggest procession of decorated boats in the country.

Carnival committee member Peter Roberts said entries for all three parades were well up on last year.

"It's looking good. It's going to be absolutely massive and should be one of the best ever," he said.

"An old 30ft by 70ft barge, built in 1930, is coming up from the Gloucester museum for both river parades.

''A proper old-fashioned steam engine will lead the land parade, which will also include about four or five vintage tractors."

More than 20,000 people are expected to descend on the town centre to join in the festivities.

The land parade, with 30 floats, starts from Areley Kings at 12.30pm and will wind through the streets before finishing in the Riverside Meadows, where entertainment will be based.

The parade will take in Bridge Street, High Street, Lombard Street, Gilgal, Lion Hill, York Street and New Street.

There will be an Abba tribute band, Mamma Mia, and mediaeval battles will be recreated by Knights of the Crusade to add to the royal flavour.

Carnival-goers will take part in jousting competitions and test their strength by trying to remove the sword Excalibur from a rock.

Money raised by street collections will be given to Stourport charities.