AS kick-off for Thornbury Carnival gets ever closer, organisers are highlighting what the event offers youngsters.

The festival takes place on Saturday, July 5 and features the usual parade, along with iconic Spitfire and Hurricane planes and 10 diverse bands on the roster.

Carnival organiser David Goldring said there were lots of activities to keep children busy and delighted all afternoon.

The Knot of Rope has sponsored the primary school six-a-side soccer competition for another year.

Rounds are being held ahead of the carnival day to select four teams to contest the semi-final and final rounds, with certificates, medals and trophies for the winning teams.

Mr Goldring said the cheerleader groups always proved popular with the girls.

This year a new group, The Black Panthers, join past favourites The Blue Flames. Both feature in the carnival’s parade, and further dancing will be offered by Thornbury's McLennan School of Irish Dance, the Inspire Arts Trust students and local group Street Envy.

Thornbury Carnival also features clown Roly Bain, King Edmunds Acro Gymnasts, local band Jonny Casino and the Octaves Junior Choir.

Bristol Army Cadets Band and the Dolphon Marching Band are among several groups providing grandstand music sure to thrill the crowds.

Donkeys will be bringing the spirit of Weston-super-Mare to Thornbury, while the Bristol Lawmen will be doing breathtaking re-enactments of cowboy scenes.

Mr Goldring added: “Albert Rogers' Fun Fair is a well-tested favourite and which child would not be thrilled by the air display of the Battle of Britain's Memorial Flight's Spitfire and Hurricane pair?

“As if that was not enough, there will be a hot air balloon event at the end of the afternoon.”

The balloon flights are weather dependent.

For more details visit www.thornburycarnival.co.uk or email organiser@thornburycarnival.co.uk