HUNDREDS of people are expected to get in the carnival spirit in a Hampshire village.

Bishopstoke is set to be transformed into a sea of colours as the popular annual carnival is set to return on September 16 and 17.

The two-day event aims to bring the community together and offer residents a weekend of fun.

Celebrations will start on September 16 at 11am with a river float competition by the river opposite the Bishopstoke Memorial Hall.

Participants are asked to make and decorate a small river float inspired to the carnival theme which is space.

Following the river race, revellers will also have the chance to enjoy the duck race in the river.

Meanwhile, the parade will take place on September 17 starting from the bottom of Underwood Road at 11am.

Parade entries will be judged by Cllr Maureen Sollitt, Mayor of Eastleigh, at around 12noon before the parade will turn up Sedgwick Road and will then turn down Stoke Common Road to Church Road.

The parade is also expected to go through Spring Lane before turning into Portal Road and arriving at Glebe Meadow, where the carnival fete is set to take place from 2pm.

Residents will have the opportunity to enjoy stalls and a host of fun activities including various games, a dog show and a children’s entertainer.

The event is run by a team of volunteers and parish councillors, and aims to raise money for local causes.

David Hillier-Wheal, one of the organisers, said: “All of the money collected as the parade goes by is donated to charities and community groups. All in all it is a great way to bring families and the community together to have fun, be entertained, and raise some money.”

This year each parade category winner will also receive £50 while the overall winner will receive an extra £100.

Those who would like to take part in the parade, the river float competition or apply for carnival grants have until September 8 to fill in the application form online.