THE popular Winton Carnival is set to take place this weekend, with organisers promising one of the best events yet.

The carnival hits the streets on Saturday, June 24, and thousands are expected to line the route of the procession.

Bournemouth Carnival Band will get the fun underway at 10.30am with Poole Town Crier, David Squire, officially starting the grand parade at 10.45am. This year he will be picked up in a Rolls Royce.

Several hundred people on foot or floats are expected to take part in the procession, dancing and walking to a variety of music.

There will be some road closures and traffic disruption for a couple of hours on the day as the parade makes its way to Winton Recreation Ground, along Wimborne Road in Winton.

Wimborne Road will be closed between Calvin Road and Cardigan Road from 9.30am until about 12.30pm.

Cardigan and Maxwell roads will close from 10.30am until 12.30pm and the junction with Heron Court Road and Abbot Road will be closed as the parade passes through.

Traffic will be diverted via Jameson Road, Edgehill Road, Withermoor Road, Woodend Road and Leslie Road.

According to organisers this year's event will also include performances from a couple of dance academies before the parade.

At Winton Recreation Ground there will be lots of stalls, attractions and live music, with plenty of activities for children including rides and face painting, until 6pm.

This year will also see a pit stop challenge on the main field at Winton Recreation Ground.

Entry to the recreation ground is free.

For more information go to wintoncarnival.co.uk.