HUNDREDS of people are expected to turn out for an annual village carnival.

Bishopstoke will be transformed into a sea of colours as the popular event is set to return on September 14 and 15.

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

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

Participants are asked to make and decorate small river floats inspired by the carnival theme which this year is “in the garden”.

After the river race, residents will have the chance to race rubber ducks in the river behind Bishopstoke Toby Carvery. The parade will take place on Sunday and will set off from the community centre at 1pm with parade entries judged by Cllr Darshan Mann, Mayor of Eastleigh.

It will go down Sidney Road, St Margaret's Road, Stoke Park Road, Hamilton Road, Spring Lane and then Portal Road where it will disperse.

The carnival fete is set to take place from 2pm on Glebe Meadow.

Residents will have the opportunity to enjoy stalls and a host of fun activities including 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.

Organiser and parish secretary said, David Wheal, said: “The success of the carnival is reliant on the help of volunteers. Bishopstoke Parish Council is appealing for volunteers to help organise next year’s event.”

For more information or to volunteer call 02380643428.