The Carnival Committee has printed 2,500 free programmes this year. This year’s Carnival has the theme Countries of the World in honour of the 2008 Olympics. Carnival chair Steve Clegg said there was every indication that the theme was catching the town’s imagination. At least 12 shops have stated their intention to put together a shop window display.

These will be judged on Friday, August 22, and the results will be announced on Carnival Day, Bank Holiday Monday, August 25. There have already been three entries for this year’s float procession, and Mr Clegg is hopeful there will be far more.

He said: “Entry forms are now available in the TIC and at the Blue Ridge shop in the Homend.” The procession will muster at the Rugby Club, Ross Road, and will be judged by 10am. Anyone wishing to enter a float, vehicle or fancy dress costume on the day should arrive beforehand. Mr Clegg is also appealing for extra bucket collectors this year.

They will walk the route of the procession and invite donations from the crowd, in support of the Carnival. The procession will leave the Rugby Club at noon, travel up New Street, turn left into the town centre and finish at Ledbury Primary School at 1.30pm. Up to 10,000 people are expected in Ledbury on the day. A big attraction this year will be a Madonna and Shakira tribute act.