THE biggest event in Ilminster's calendar is only weeks away and already it's the talk of the town.

The carnival royalty will be crowned when Ilminster Carnival Committee announces the winner of this year's Prince/Princess competition on Monday at the Shrubbery Hotel.

Carnival Week starts on Saturday, September 30, with the Children's Carnival. Entrants need to gather at Ile Youth Centre ready for judging at 1pm with the procession starting at 2pm - see the entry form on page 39 for more details.

And there is plenty more fun in store for the whole family during the week - keep reading the News for more details.

Excitement is also building for the main procession on Saturday, October 7, which will take the same route as last year, finishing in Canal Way.

Entries are still coming in and there is still time for latecomers.

The carnival committee is also keen to promote the following class in the main procession, which has had no entries so far.

The Class 8A Non-Federation Group (three to seven, inclusive, walking) boasts prize money of: first, £60 and the Norman Bellew Trophy, also sponsored by Ilminster Warehouse; second, £40; third, £30.

This new class is on a three-year trial and is now in its second year, so why not get your thinking caps on and bring some more magic to this year's procession?

The committee is also looking for volunteers to come forward and help with the collecting vehicles in the main procession - anyone interested can call 01460-52302 for details.

Spokesman Jeremy Mitchell said: "The big question is, can Gemini successfully defend their title as champions of the South Somerset federation?"