STOURPORT'S Mayor has urged people to "get out there and have a good time" during the annual town carnival.

Mike Salter, who will be one of many fund-raisers collecting money for good causes along the road parade route on Saturday, wants people to turn out in force for the two-day bash.

He said: "It's going to be an excellent carnival. We've got more floats than before and a tremendous amount of extra folks taking part."

The parade will start out from Areley Kings playing field at 12.30pm, following the judges' decision on the best float.

The lorries and pedestrians will then travel over Stourport Bridge, into the town centre, up High Street and into Vale Road, before heading along Lombard Street and Lion Hill, halting at Riverside Meadows.

Organisers are asking people not to throw money on to floats but to put their cash in volunteers' buckets as they walk the route.

All money raised from the event will go towards Stourport Social Day Centre and Wilden Cricket Club.

The party atmosphere is set to continue throughout the day, with a host of activities on the riverside, including the crowning of carnival queen, Katie Billingham and entertainment from The Lady and The Sax, Magic Martin and others.

The festivities will then be followed by river parades, organised by Stourport Yacht Club, at 4pm and then again at 8pm - when all boats are set to be illuminated - followed by a fireworks display.

Those wishing to enter boats should contact the yacht club tomorrow night.

On Sunday, the fun continues at the riverside park, with bouncy castles and activities for youngsters and music at the bandstand. Entry is free over both days.

People who have bought programmes, which are available in shops throughout the town, also stand a chance of winning £250 in a draw, set to take place at 4pm.

Stourport Carnival Committee, which put together the event, is still keen for groups without floats to get in touch.

Pete Roberts, committee member, said: "If there are people stuck for a float we've still got floats.

"If somebody has something ready-made, like a band or group, they can go straight on."

He urged shopkeepers and town businesses to decorate their windows in red, white and blue bunting, if they have not already done so, to complete the carnival atmosphere Mr Roberts added: "It's going to be the best year and with the weather predicted it will be one of the very best.

"With all the cancelled events, people have been waiting for an excuse to have a great day out and this will be it."

Mr Salter went on: "I think carnivals will go on because it's something people have had for many years and one of those things we don't want to lose. It's good for the area and particularly charities."