BRAINTREE will be whisked back in time to the swinging sixties next week at the town’s annual carnival.

On Saturday June 11 Braintree town will celebrate the 53rd annual Braintree and Bocking Carnival with this year’s theme promoting flower power - with mini skirts, Austin Powers lookalikes and rock 'n' roll.

Martin Green, Chairman of the Carnival, said: “I am looking forward to the majorettes competition, which is a new addition this year, with their interpretation of a popular sixties song, and don’t forget the local bands playing into the night.

“There are lots to keep everyone entertained during the afternoon including the very youngest - we have an area devoted to them with sort play equipment.”

There are trade stalls, rides and attractions for all ages and all sorts of traditional carnival activities.

The main event is the procession, which is open to all organisations and even individuals, either with or without a float, it begins from Lakes Road at 2.30pm and travels up to the carnival field at Meadowside.

A new Carnival Queen for 2016 will be crowned along with two princesses, they will have the privilege of representing Braintree and Bocking at events throughout the year.

The event this year will be raising funds for the Essex section of charity Sands, which is a stillborn and neonatal death charity.

Last year’s carnival raised approximately £2,000 for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

In the run up to the show, the committee is offering a Carnival Costume Making Workshop at Braintree Community Centre to help get residents ready for the day.

Groups and individuals are being encouraged to come along and learn traditional costume making skills, creating an expertly crafted outfit to take home.

The cost of the workshop is £17 and all materials are provided - to book a place, telephone 01376 550373 or 01376 323280.

The organisers are currently on the lookout for volunteers to help out with things like directing the procession.

Mr Green, said: “We are looking for volunteers. Our main priority is to help with the procession.

“People would be helping out with before and during the procession with the road closures.”

If you can help, please contact: martinjohngreen@hotmail.co.uk.

For more information about the carnival visit: www.braintreecarnival.org.uk.