CARNIVAL returns to Romsey with a difference.

The Romsey winter Carnival will return to Romsey on November 27 but this year will see a collaborative event as the Lantern Parade merges with the festivities.

Karen Whittaker, member of the Romsey Carnival planning committee said: "Planning for this year’s winter carnival and lantern parade is well underway lots of groups have already signed up but it’s not too late to join in either on a float or walking just email romseycarnivalcommittee@gmail.com.

"We hope lots of people will line the streets and bring there coins for the collection buckets all the money raised will go to local charities it’s going to be extra special with the lantern parade and the beautiful Romsey Christmas lights being turned on."

The Crosfield Hall car park will be closed from 4pm giving way to the floats.

Music from the Romsey Voices Choir and the Mountbatten Wind Band will begin in the Piazza at 5.45pm.

The carnival procession will begin at 6pm and will make its way from Crosfield Hall, up Palmerston Street, along The Hundred, through Market Place, down Bell Street and around Dukes Mill to return to the Crosfield Hall.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.30pm by the Mayor of Romsey, Cllr Karen Dunleavey.

Steve winter, newly appointed chair of the Lantern parade committee said: "The committee are delighted to be joining forces this year with the Romsey Winter Carnival and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights to bring some real delight to Romsey on 27 November. This is a participatory community event with residents making their lanterns and then walking the parade route. We are really looking forward to a great, as near normal, evening as we can and hope that many residents will join us in the centre of Romsey this year.

To purchase a Lantern kit contact www.RomseyLanternParade.org.uk