LIPHOOK is gearing up for its biggest event of the year as the annual carnival returns this Saturday.

Preparations are being put in place ahead of the day, which will raise money for many good causes.

Liphook Carnival committee chairman Sally Cameron said: “I am very much looking forward to another fantastic Liphook Carnival, my first as chairperson.

“We now have a strong committee of 18 in total. We consist of those with experience who have served on the committee for many years and new members who bring along ideas, passion and enthusiasm; all very important to the carnival.

“It is great news that Liphook Junior School, along with the British Legion, will be entering a float to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War and marking women’s right to vote.

“The children will be performing songs they have practised many times at the Canada Day service and are hugely excited about performing on their float.

“This year we are paying tribute to Den Osman.

“His widow, Lesley, will receive a certificate in the square and we will light fireworks as a tribute to a man who has been a member of the carnival committee and attended the carnival procession in his fire engine for over 66 years. He passed away in February aged 69.”

Carnival day starts with the traditional children’s fancy dress competition at Liphook Junior School at 11am. Judging for the competition will begin at 11.45am.

Two steel pan workshops are being held at Bohunt School at 2.15pm and 3pm. The cafe will be in Bohunt from 3pm and will serve sandwiches, homemade cakes and hot drinks.

All of the floats taking part in this year’s carnival need to be assembled in the procession on Longmoor Road by 5.30pm. Judging of the floats, push and pull vehicles and adult fancy dress will be at 5.45pm.

Entertainment will begin in the square at 6.15pm with the Pan Nation Steel Band, and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds will crown the carnival queen, Megan Shepherd, in the square at 6.45pm.

The carnival princess is Cassandra Harris-Dibben, the carnival prince is Camaron Wilson, and the attendants are Amy Wright and Rose Salmon.

The procession will move off at 7pm, and return through the square at 8.30pm before the bonfire and firework display is held at Radford Park.