EMERGENCY services have a warning for motorists ahead of Worcester Carnival.

The popular charity event returns this Saturday (July 1) with a parade, live music, and a fairground.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the city, prompting Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service to issue an important reminder.

“It's Worcester Carnival day at Pitchcroft on Saturday and we hope that everyone has a great time,” a spokesperson for the service said.

“But please remember to park sensibly if you're leaving your car close by, so that access is maintained for the emergency services.

“And please be careful if you go near the water.”

The Carnival parade will be getting underway at 3pm with people lining the city centre streets to see floats from city businesses and organisations.

Around 30 to 40 floats are expected to take part, based around the theme of Our Colourful World.

The parade will arrive at Carnival Village on Pitchcroft where there will be a fairground, stalls and stage performances until 7pm.

There will also be a second stage at Cathedral Square from 11am to 3pm.

The festival is a hit with visitors every year and about 9,000 people visited the city centre in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.

Angela Derbyshire, committee member, said: "The prep is going well, there is seven of us to arrange it all.

"We are just doing the prep and the planning for the day.

"This year we hope to make the event more sustainable, we have self-propelled floats.

"it shows that we are moving in a different direction.

"We want it to be more accessible and inclusive this year.

"We have tried to promote it a lot more this year.

"We are on every island in Worcester you can find, we just want people to be aware.

"Everyone is welcome at Worcester Carnival."