BRIGHT colours will come to the streets of a Hampshire community this weekend as the Hedge End Carnival rolls into town.

The event has been running for almost 90 years, with the 2015 theme being All Things Bright and Beautiful.

When the carnival first started – before the NHS was founded – most of the beneficiaries would have been medical charities.

Now the event, organised by a small group of volunteers, raises money for good causes in Hedge End.

The carnival, which has been held on the first Saturday in July since 1921, except for a brief period during the Second World War, will start with entries gathering at the Recreation Ground in St Johns Road at midday where they will be judged at 1pm.

The Carnival Queen will be crowned at 1.45pm before the parade moves off at 2.15pm.

Organisers are hoping to see crowds line the streets as the carnival procession passes down St Johns Road, Freegrounds Avenue, Sherborne Way, Hobb Lane, Lower Northam Road and Upper Northam Road.

Entries will include St Andrew’s Pipe Band, the Big Noise Community Samba Band and the New Male Majorettes from Devizes and residents will be asked to donate to collection buckets.

It will then arrive at Greta Park for the gala show and a funfair from 2pm.

Topping the bill in the arena will be a falconry display while other entertainment around the show ground will include Hamble Valley Brass, Southampton Ukelele Jam, Flower Club Display, Punch and Judy, Glee Club and Dynamo School of Gymnastics.

Admission is £1 per adult and 50p per child.