IN A blaze of technical wizardry, music and dancing, the annual Wellington Carnival comes to town this Saturday and it is set to wow the thousands of spectators lining the streets.

Months of hard work from organisers, fund-raisers and carnival clubs will culminate in one spectacular show - sponsored by the County Gazette - touring the town from 7.30pm.

This week, carnival committee chairman Jo Chave spoke of her enthusiasm for this year's event and also made a plea for help at the 11th-hour.

She said: "I am very excited - I am always excited about carnival and it's a relief that it is all going ahead after all that was being rumoured around the town.

"However, we really need some marshals because we are very short, so I am appealing to anyone who might be able to help to put their names forward."

"Because of trouble at previous precessions, around 70 volunteer marshals are needed to secure the safety of the spectators and those involved along the route. So far, 50 have confirmed their services.

"We need more and more of them every year because some people just don't behave themselves. Some have been drinking and that is part of the problem I'm sure."

"Wellington is different from others like Bridgwater because the theme of the cart is not kn own until the last minute at their Carnival," se said.

"But if you look at last year, the Pirates of the Caribbean float went there and won after it had been here, so we have some brilliant entries. In fact, we have got the Bridgwater Samba Band coming along this year which we haven't had before."

Anyone who can help with the marshalling can meet at the Wellington BaptistChurch at 6.30pm. The collection tins for the event are available from the Longforth Car Park from 10am to 11am on Saturday.

See this week's County Gazette for a Wellington Carnival preview.