THE LEDBURY carnival is going gold this anniversary as it celebrates its 50th consecutive year.

And organisers have promised this year's event will be bigger and better than ever. 

The carnival will take place this bank holiday Monday, August 26. 

The carnival procession will leave Ledbury Rugby Football Club on Ross Road at midday before proceeding on to New Street.

READ MORE-  Ledbury football ground 'smashed' by 'out of order' vandals

READ MORE- Road between Ledbury and Hereford could remain closed

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters will join the procession from the Co-Op before it turns left onto the High Street. 

It will then continue along Homend before turning left down Orchard Lane and it finishes at Ledbury Primary School.

The carnival will open at midday with two main bands set to entertain the crowds on the High Street stage.

Over at St Katherine's car park and across the rest of the town, there will be entertainment from the Razmatazz Magician, Rainbow Gecko, Joey the Juggler and DJ Chris with his photo booth and prize grabber. 

People will also be able to enjoy plenty of food and craft stalls around the town. 

The Ledbury Flower Show will take place between midday and 4pm on the day at the community hall. 

This year will feature two carnival princesses and the Westons' Shire Horses are making a comeback. 

Although the carnival was held before that, the first of 50 consecutive events was held in 1974. 

Organisers have been making plans to celebrate the milestone in style over the past few months. 

The carnival entertainment co-ordinator Sue Hughes said: “We’ve tried to make sure the carnival is bigger and bolder than ever, the procession is the biggest it has ever been, and there are more stalls and a wider range of children's entertainment. 

“It has been hard work but when you see the people that come into town and enjoy it as much as they normally do it makes it all worth it.

"For me, there’s a feel-good factor to the carnival and a sense we’ve brought the community together.

"There is so much for people to look forward to, there is something for everybody and we hope people enjoy it."

Visit http://ledbury-carnival.co.uk for more information about the event.