KIDDERMINSTER Carnival will boast a craft marquee for the first time this year and organisers are appealing for craft folk to fill it.

It will have stalls available for people to demonstrate traditional crafts and to sell their products at the Brinton Park showground on Saturday, June 21.

Carnival chairman Colin Hill said: "We thought it was time for something new and we are hoping it will be a big success - but we need the craftsmen and women to fill it.

"We expect around 10,000 visitors at the carnival so, for a little outlay there could be big rewards for stallholders both in terms of sales and promotion."

Pitches are also available for general stalls and side-shows around the showground for voluntary and charity groups to raise awareness and money for themselves, and for commercial enterprises.

Voluntary, community and charity groups are entitled to a £7.50 discount on the £17.50 charge for a 15ft stall.

Stallholders who are simply giving information can have a pitch free of charge.

Organisations wanting more than 15ft of space can rent larger areas.

The carnival committee is also appealing for companies, pubs, clubs, voluntary groups, charities and the owners of classic and vintage vehicles to take part in this year's street parade, which sets off from New Road car park at noon on carnival day.

Parade organiser Stuart Ness said: "We have prize money totalling £385 available for the winners.

"It's a great, fun way of promoting your charity, community group, or business, and the parade is seen by many thousands of people as it winds its way through the town to Brinton Park."

Prize money of £75 will be awarded to each winner in the categories - best sports/social/club/pub float, best youth organisation, best commercial float, and best charity float.

There will also be a prize of £30 to the best trolley float and £20 to the best vintage/classic vehicle (pre 1970).

The best decorated pedestrian adult will be awarded £20 and the best decorated pedestrian children's entry will receive £15.

There is a £10 entry fee for floats, but pedestrians, trolley floats, vintage cars and motorbikes can enter free of charge.

For further details and application forms for stalls, the craft marquee and the parade, contact Mr Hill on 01562 751634.