A CONVOY of tanks will ensure Dorchester’s carnival celebrations go with a bang this year.

Plans are taking shape for the county town’s annual celebrations in June with organisers promising a fun packed few days.

Popular carnival favourites returning include the four legged race, the Party in the Park, and Wynn’s funfair while there will also be plenty of new additions to the event.

Debs Thomas, chair of the carnival organising committee, said: “We were keen to bring something different to this year’s carnival and were thrilled when we were asked if we could incorporate a procession of tanks into the carnival.”

This year’s Armour and Embarkation event, which commemorates D-Day, falls on the same weekend as the carnival on June 18 and June 19, so the main procession on the Saturday is set to be led by around 40 military vehicles.

Jack Beckett, organiser and founder of the Armour and Embarkation event, said: “We have a weekend of events planned in Dorset, but leading the carnival procession on Saturday afternoon will be something special.

“We hope that lots of people turn out to see us and help us remember a significant time in our history.

“We’re planning to have a Sherman and other tank destroyers as well as lots of other classic military vehicles. It really will be a sight to see!”

The four legged race and the Party in the Park is being organised by Dorchester Round Table.

Lee Turner, who is this year’s chairman for the group, said: “We’re pleased to be part of this community event which raises money for good causes locally

“The four legged race around Dorchester and the Party in the Park in the Borough Gardens are always a good way to start the whole weekend off.

“We’ve got some great bands set to play this year, so we just need to keep our fingers crossed for good weather.”

The carnival procession anyone to take part and it’s not too late to enter.

Groups and organisations taking part will also get a share of the money donated.

For more information and an entry form visit dorchestercarnival.org

Details are also available on the Dorchester Carnival Facebook page.