ORGANISERS are gearing up for this year's Romsey Winter Carnival.

A series of events will be taking place from next month leading up to the main event, the Winter Carnival Procession, which will take a different route this time.

Events kick off with a quiz night at The Comrades Club, in the town, on November 21, from 8pm - entry costs £5 per team of four.

Then the following day sees an evening of Bingo at the Crosfield Hall, at 8pm.

This year's procession, on November 24, will see people gather at a different assembly point - the Crosfield Hall car park.

Then it will follow the new route along Broadwater Road, Palmerston Street, The Hundred, The Market Place, Bell Street, Broadwater Road, finishing back in the car park.

It will reach The Market Place by 6.30pm, in time for the Christmas Lights switch on.

Organisers hope that the Kilts of Caledonia Pipe Band will lead the procession and give a display in The Market Place after the procession has passed.

Procession classes are pedestrian and motorised and the best entry overall will win the Len Fry Challenge Cup and a cash prize.

Entries have already been received from Bognor Regis, Poole and Salisbury and carnival royal parties from the surrounding areas have been invited.

The Market Place, The Hundred, Church Street and Bell Street will be closed from 5pm until 8pm at the latest.

Broadwater Road and Palmerston Street will only be closed to allow the procession to take place and to finish in the Crosfield Hall car park.

The car park will be closed to allow the procession to assemble and then to disperse.

Profits from this and its partner summer carnival back in July will be distributed to this year's chosen charities at the Annual General Meeting in January next year.