STOURPORT Carnival organisers are putting the final touches to their preparations for this weekend’s landmark festival.

The 90th annual carnival will take place in the town on Saturday, September 5, from around 10am with a host of attractions and events lined up to entertain the crowds.

Festival organiser Pete Roberts said this year’s event was set to be one of the most successful in its history.

The parade is expected to start at around 12.30pm, from the carnival field in Martin’s Way, while the river parade will start at 4pm.

An evening river parade will take place at 8pm, featuring boats which will be fully illuminated. A spectacular firework display will close the event.

There will be a host of bands, dance groups and puppeteers performing in the marquee throughout the day.

To mark the 90th anniversary, 22 former Carnival Queens will take part in an open top bus parade during the day. This year’s queen, Faith Broome-Nelson will be crowned in the afternoon.

Organisers are also encouraging visitors to flex their muscles and get into teams and enter a tug-o-war battle to win a barrel of ale.

Mr Roberts said: “This year’s event looks as if it is going to be one of the biggest we’ve ever had – we’ve got more floats entering than in previous years.

“Bunting has gone up around the town and this has been funded by the local traders who all donated cash towards the cash so I would like to thank them all for their support.

“Everyone is looking forward to another fantastic carnival in the town.”