EASTER Compton is busily gearing itself up for this year’s village carnival.

The 2011 carnival, being held this Saturday, June 11, promises to include all the favourite attractions as well as a few newcomers to the line-up.

This year’s event will kick off with the traditional procession, which will start from Gable Close at 1.30pm, and lead down to the playing fields.

The procession will include an array of floats, made by local groups, as well as the carnival queen nine-year-old Freya Bigwood, and her attendants Holly Summer, eight, and Izabell Davies, six.

On the playing fields in the main arena local dog dancer Jenny Deakin and her dogs will be performing, along with the Bristol-based Bloco Ilu Axe Brazilian street band with its 40 drummers and dancers.

Award-winning gymnasts from the King Edmund Acrogymnastics Club from Yate will also be performing.

Other attractions will include inflatable rides, a children’s ferris wheel, clowns, craft stalls, a barbecue, refreshments and licensed bar.

Dave Pell, chairman of the carnival team, said: "A huge thank you to all our advertisers, helpers and those who are participating in the procession, carnival is about having fun, but the money raised is also important as it maintains our village hall. This helps keep it a focal point in our lovely village and is now home to our post office."

Last year’s carnival raised more than £1,500 towards the village hall.

As well as the carnival in Easter Compton, Washingpool Farm is also hosting its annual Bristol VW weekend on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12.

The weekend will include an array of classic and modern VWs on display, and stalls selling everything VW plus fashion, jewellery, art and crafts.

Motorists are reminded that the B4055, Blackhorse Hill, will be closed through Easter Compton during the procession on Saturday afternoon.