MALMESBURY is gearing up for the spectacular carnival finale this weekend.

The traditional procession, which always draws crowds onto the streets, sees a parade of colourful floats and walkers led by bands through the town centre.

Fingers are being crossed that this year’s procession will be blessed with sunshine after a week that saw two outdoor events, the Music on the Mead and Pirates of Penzance, moved to an indoor venue because of torrential rain.

The fun starts on Saturday with the Carnival 10k run. Then at around 4.30pm parade entries start gathering in Park Road as the Carnival Mile runners set off from outside Lumley’s pet shop.

At 6pm the procession begins to head up Gloucester Road, into Abbey Row, Oxford Street, the Cross Hayes and back up the High street before retracing its route along Abbey Row.

Entries will be accepted up to noon tomorrow and forms are available online at malmesburycarnival.co.uk or from the tourist information office.

Malmesbury Vics are hosting the free official post parade party at the Flying Monk Ground from 8pm and Danters fun fair, which opens tonight in the Station Yard, starts at 2pm.

The following morning volunteers will gather at the town hall from 9am for the cash count and a service of thanksgiving will be held in the abbey at 4pm.