THE Pershore Carnival Princess competition, sponsored by the Evesham Journal, will be held in the new town hall this Saturday from 2pm.

The winner, along with two attendants, will lead the Carnival procession, which meets at the Brandy Cask riverside gardens at 12noon for a 1pm departure.

The procession, which has the theme of Myths and Legends, will be a walking parade along a shorter route and without juggernauts.

Groups, children and adults are being encouraged to get dressed up and join the fun. Organiser Dave Shaw said it will be a case of reclaiming the streets. "Without the heavy lorries involved it will be much more people-friendly event and more pleasant for those taking part on foot. The theme is also very broad so we hope to have as many people as possible getting involved."

The festivities on May 26 will also feature a battle of the bands and a top 40 pop group, a dog show, farmers market, craft fair and a fun fair.

Groups wanting to get involved in the procession should call procession manager Jenny Baker on 07810 588923 for details.