HAMPSHIRE'S oldest carnival takes to the streets again today as villagers celebrate the biggest day the community's calendar.

Titchfield Carnival has been held almost ever year for more than two centuries and draws thousands of spectators from across the county.

Organised by the Titchfield Bonfire Boys' Society, the annual spectacle delivers eight hours of family fun.

This year's event will begin a classic car show at 1pm, followed by an afternoon procession at 2.45pm, an evening parade at 6.45pm and a beacon-lighting ceremony at 8pm.

Memories of England's historic World Cup triumph in 1966 could come flooding back as the celebration gets under way.

Bobby Moore's squad beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley - and to mark the 50th anniversary surviving members of a group that entered the 1966 carnival dressed as England's World Cup heroes have been invited back.

Live music will be provided by the Dolphin Marching Band and the St Andrew's Pipe Band.

Other groups taking part include the Romsey Old Cadets and the Wickham Baggies Morris Dancers. Caribbean singer Alexander D Great will also put in an appearance.

This year's carnival princess, Lily Hands, will be crowned by Fareham MP Suella Fernandes and retired Bonfire Boy Roger Banner.

Roger, now in his late seventies, will present the Society with the money he has raised during the year by selling cakes.

Carnival organisers include Kate Scott, whose great grandmother Maude Carse kept the event going during the Second World War.

She said: "This year more than 80 vehicles have been entered in the classic car show and we have a record number of entries for the processions.

The carnival is said to be the oldest in the south and one of the oldest in the UK.

It celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2014 when carnival queen Megan Walcroft, was crowned by the reigning Miss Universe UK, Grace Levy, who comes from Titchfield.