HISTORIAN Bob Browning has brought out a new book on Malmesbury Carnival.

The collection of stories and pictures from carnivals of the past is being sold to raise money for the organisation.

Bob, who wrote a history of EKCO at Cowbridge, is also on the programme with an evening of nostalgia on August 13.

Events this week include an illustrated talk by Charles Vernon in the town hall on Malmesbury 1914 and a bat walk through the Conygre Mead nature reserve tonight, a drop-in poetry session in the library and a night at the races in the Three Cups on Saturday and the popular Butterfly Princess completion on Tuesday.

Another highlight is the open gardens trail on Sunday, including a trip to the Stencil Shed.

Open air theatre, a scratch band performing a Radiohead album and a musical walkabout are also planned before the carnival finale on August 30 when the procession will wind through the town centre.

Bob’s book is available from the tourist information centre, Knees department store and at carnival events this month. It costs £6.99.