THOUSANDS of people are expected to descend on Evesham for a Rio-themed carnival on Saturday.

Organisers predict 4,000 spectators will attend the carnival, which is double the number from last year.

Some 21 lorries, decorated by local schools, groups and businesses, will lead the two mile procession.

The lorries will be joined by more than 200 walking participants and several bands, on a circular route through the town.

Glen Lyon, a member of the carnival organising committee, said: "It's a fantastic opportunity to get together as it's a cracking day out that's free for everyone.

"It will be a spectacle with a food festival and live entertainment."

There will also be a food festival, trader stalls and live performances in Crown Meadow.

Mr Lyon, who lives in Evesham, said this year's parade is themed on Rio because of the city's rich carnival history and the upcoming Olympics.

"Rio is synonymous with carnival parades and the theme will let the float builders express themselves in bright and colourful ways," he said.

Evesham College will offer free parking throughout the day, to accommodate the influx of visitors.

The procession will leave Crown Meadow at 2pm and cross Abbey Bridge, along Waterside, over Workman Bridge and through Mill Street.

When the carnival reaches Swan Lane there will be a short five minute break, allowing participants to catch their breath.

The route will then continue through the High Street, Abbey Road and then back to Crown Meadow.

The carnival returned to the town last year, after a long break caused by the condition of Evesham's Abbey Bridge.

Volunteers will be raising money for several different charities by walking around the parade with donation buckets.

The carnival is sponsored by a number of local businesses and has been organised by the Vale of Evesham Roundtable, since the 1970s.

The carnival was first held in 1928 to help fund the construction of a hospital in Evesham.