Dorchester will be getting into the carnival spirit more than ever this year. Joanna Davis reports on the fun ahead.

It's summer and Dorchester is mad for a good carnival.

This year's Dorchester Carnival has the theme Midsummer Madness and will be held on Saturday, June 16.

This month marks the rebirth of Dorchester Carnival – which will be a celebration with a difference and has been organised with the support of local rotary clubs.

The day plans to be a spectacle of colour, a day of fun-filled craziness, music and laughter, a time to come together to sing, dance and make merry in the summer sunshine. Organisers want as many people from the community to put their silly hats on as possible and get involved.

The procession, leaving the Borough Gardens at 4.30pm, 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.

This means the route of the parade will change and wend between the Borough Gardens, Brewery Square and South Street. The day will start in the Borough Gardens, with stalls, food, and entertainment all day. South Street will see an eclectic mix of music throughout the day. Brewery Square will brew up its own particular brand of fun and frolics. And of course, Wynn's Funfair, will have everyone screaming in their seats.

Proceeds from Midsummer Madness will go to local charities, chosen by members of the public.

Members of Dorchester Camera Club will be the official photographers on the day, capturing all the fun, flair and flamboyancy of the carnival.

Bicycles built for two - three of them – will be making an appearance at Midsummer Madness. A tandem bike ride, cycling a circular route of more than 20 miles, will be taking place on the day, planned to coincide with the festivities.

Departing from the Borough Gardens at 12.45pm, three teams will peddle their little hearts out, aiming to be back in the gardens at around 3.30pm.

Teams will be bellowed on their way by Dorchester Town Crier Alistair Chisholm.

All sponsorship money raised will be split between the Dorchester Disabled Club and the Dorchester Middle School specialist resource base supporting children with physical disabilities.

And the fun doesn't stop in the day time - Midsummer Madness will continue until 10pm in the Borough Gardens. The headline act will be the Unravelling Wilburys. There will also be music from Dorchester Pop Club.

There will also be music from Nina Garcia and the Leggomen at Brewery Square and Marianos and the Durnovaria Silver Band in South Street,

Organisers say that this would be great for teams, groups, clubs and schools that are entering the Midsummer Madness parade this year.

Anyone who wishes to apply to be a marshal or volunteer at the carnival can find an application form on the Dorchester Carnival website.

For more information about this year’s Dorchester Carnival Midsummer Madness, see dorchestercarnival.info/