Madness and mayhem will be descending on Dorchester this summer as its annual carnival is reborn.

This year sees the rebrand of Dorchester Carnival as it becomes Midsummer Madness.

It will be a celebration with a difference as the town comes alive with colour, craziness, music and laughter.

The procession will take a different turn this year as it is only a walking procession, no vehicles are allowed but bicycles and mobility scooters and the alike are.

Anita Harries, who is on the committee, said: "We want out of the ordinary, barmy, bizarre ideas to just make people smile.

"If we hadn't have taken this on, there wouldn't be a carnival this year."

Midsummer Madness will be held on Saturday, June 16.

Town crier Alistair Chisholm, who is also the committee, said: "The Dorchester Carnival has been running so a long time and it is becoming more and more difficult to run.

"The main difference to to this year is that is it going to be a walking procession. The route that we will be taking though the town is essential a pedestrian route. It will start in the Borough Gardens, through the marketplace and across to Brewery Square and then into the town centre.

"It has always been that the procession marks the end of the day, but this year it wont. There will be music and entertainment in South Street and Brewery Square and an after party in the Borough Gardens.

"We really want the whole community to support us in this, it's going to be different - but a fantastic day."

The committee are also calling on the community to get creative and help make enough bunting to decorate the whole of South Street.

A total of 850 metres worth of bunting is needed and Mr Chisholm said its "all or nothing". The bunting will be hung about a month before Midsummer Madness.

Mr Chisholm said: "We've started this with £700 and we have a lot to do. We are looking for volunteers as always and would welcome any donations and we are also looking for a photographer for the day."

If you would like to volunteer or donate to Midsummer Madness email info@dorchestercarnival.info

To keep up to date with what's happening visit dorchestercarnival.info