THE new team behind this year's Worcester Carnival has announced the date of their launch evening on Thursday, January 26 at Worcester Guildhall.

People can come along and learn all about the exciting plans for the 2017 event and find out how to get involved.

Everyone is invited - from civic heads to business leaders to members of the public.

The evening will also be a chance to find out about sponsorship packages the team have prepared.

Booking forms for floats and trade stalls will be available and it will also be the official launch of the hunt for the 2017 carnival King and Queen.

Alan Feeney, new carnival president, is hugely excited about this year’s event.

He said: "We have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes.

"There is a new, dynamic team on board who are committed to making this year’s carnival a huge success.

"The parade route is planned, the post parade village, funfair and fireworks is well on the way and we are securing more local partner companies day by day - all we need now are the people.

"I’m not going to give too much away at this stage, but it is going to be brilliant."

He emphasised the need for the public to really get behind this year’s event.

"I know how disappointed people were that the 2016 carnival didn’t go ahead, but that is history now.

"We are looking forward to our carnival which is absolutely going to happen.

"But we need the public to get right behind us and support it by bringing floats, booking trade stalls and telling all their friends to come along on the day to cheer the carnival along.

"We can’t do it without you and it is your carnival after all."

In particular, the team welcome anyone who might wish to get involved in the parade or take part in some street theatre beforehand.

The event takes place from 6pm to 8pm and for more information call 01905 319 782 or email info@worcester-carnival.co.uk.