THOUSANDS of people will be getting out onto the town this weekend to take part in one of the biggest events in Hampshire's calendar.

Crowds are expected to line the streets when the Romsey Carnival procession starts at 3pm on Sunday.

This is year will be the 60th year that Romsonians have stopped to watch the event and organisers hope that more floats than ever will take part.

Romsey Old Cadets will be leading the procession which starts at Romsey Industrial Estate at 3pm.

Groups expected to be taking part include the sixth Romsey Brownies and the 3rd Romsey Scouts as well as the Bishop's Blaize pub.

"We look forward to all the people coming out onto the streets to wave on all those taking part," he said.

Carnival Queen, Naomi Reading, said: "I would just like to encourage everyone to come out and support us, support the carnival and all the people who have worked hard for this."

The procession will leave Romsey Industrial Estate from 3pm before leading through Fishlake Meadows, Greatbridge Road, Duttons Road, Station Road, Latimer Street, The Hundred, Palmerston Street, Broadwater Road, Bell Street and The Market Place before finishing in The Hundred.

Bell Street, the Cornmarket, Market Place and The Hundred will be closed from 3pm to 6pm.

A rolling road block is in place along the other roads while the procession winds its way along.

All proceeds will be divided up between the carnival's five chosen charities: Age Concern, 3rd Romsey Scouts, Braishfield Bees, NOMADS amateur dramatic group, and Chatterbox Pre-School in Halterworth Lane.