THE 50th anniversary of Pershore Carnival will take place next week.

This year’s beneficiary of the street collection during the parade is Pershore Sea Cadets, an organisation that offers opportunities to young people on and off the water, helping to boost their confidence and self-belief.

Young people aged between 10 and 18 are supported by 9,000 volunteers at 400 units across the UK, where they can enjoy activities ranging from sailing and band practice to rock-climbing and catering, while earning nationally-recognised qualifications.

The carnival takes place on Monday May 28.

Commanding officer, lieutenant Theresa Heeks said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the charity to receive funds from the bucket collection at this year’s Pershore Carnival parade.

"Monies received from the carnival this year will be put to good use, helping to fund the purchasing of paddles, stray desks and possibly a trailer to transport speeder canoes to competitions.

"The aim is to get the cadets at the units on the water enjoying themselves and obtaining new skills. The funds will mean the unit can ensure the cadets are ready for taking part in the Paddlesport competition this year within our district.”

The Children’s programme competition winning entry has been designed by Phoebe Henderson, aged 7 from Holy Redeemer School Pershore, and will feature on the front cover of the carnival programme.

The programme will be delivered free to Pershore households during May and will be on sale on Carnival Day, price £1.

This year's king is Sam Mardle,9, of Holy Redeemer Primary School and the queen is Frankee Camden, 9, of Cherry Orchard First School. The princess is Harriet Edmonson, 9, of St Barnabas CofE First and Middle School.

The numerous stalls and funfair on Abbey Park will open at 10am and the actual carnival parade will begin at 1pm.

There will be a variety of free entertainment throughout the day, acts confirmed included Paws for Thought dog display team, a craft tent and kids workshops provided by Junkfish, and live music from PODS and Worcester Rock Choir.

The evening concert is being headlined again by Mel and Him, performing hits from the 80s, with a few newer and older classics mixed in.

The day will conclude with firework finale at 10pm, so bring your deck chairs and picnic for a fabulous free Jubilee party in the park.

Twenty Pershore retailers took up the challenge to take part in the Carnival Window Display Competition and put on a creative window display based on this year’s theme of “50 Golden Years”.

The winning display was awarded to Fordy's Fishing Tackle.

Pershore Carnival chairman Colin Shepherd said: “We are very grateful to all the Pershore retailers that got in the Carnival spirit and took part.

"Special thanks go to Mayor of Pershore Cllr Chris Parsons, Cllr Tony Rowley, Chairman of Wychavon District Council and Nicky Oldfield from Carrick Travel for judging the event.”