THE first big attraction has been confirmed for the Thornbury Carnival this summer.

Organisers of the resurrected event have announced that the Rolls-Royce Spitfire will give an aerobatic display over Thornbury during the carnival to be held on July 4.

Stephen Poole, Thornbury carnival publicity manager, said: "We are very grateful to the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust for supporting the carnival in this way."

The Spitfire is a well-loved favourite at air shows, remembered affectionately as one of the vital aircraft of World War II. Fitted with a Griffon engine it is known for a distinctive growl that the engine produces.

With less than five months to go until the big day, Mr Poole said there were still lots of attractions to be announced.

"We are in discussions with other organisations and hope to announce further aviation attractions shortly.

"Meanwhile, the organising committee are working hard to ensure that the fourth of July will be a day to remember.

"As the event continues to grow, it is clear that there will be a need for more volunteers to help on the day of the carnival," said Mr Poole.

"The more site managers we have, the more smoothly the event will run when we get to the Mundy field. There will be plenty to see and do when you get onto the field, so get the Thornbury carnival into your diary for the fourth of July now."

The Thornbury Carnival is already set to include a procession along Castle Street, to be led by the Band of the Light Cavalry, and various stalls.

Suggestions have also been made for a fun fair, sports events and a stage for musical performances.

Town groups that have signed up for the event include the local Guides and Scouts, Army Cadets, RAF Cadets, young farmers' group, WI, Women's Guild, Round Table, Rotary and the Lions, as well as Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, Thornbury Town Council, South Gloucestershire Council and St Mary Centre.

If anyone would like to help on the event field during the afternoon of the carnival, they should email David Goldring at thegoldrings@hotmail.com with details of their availability.

The next carnival committee meeting will be held at the Blend Café, High Street, Thornbury, on Tuesday, February 17, 7.30pm.