ROMSEY Carnival bosses are urging townsfolk to take part in this month’s winter parade on the night of Romsey’s Christmas Lights Switch on.

The Winter Carnival procession, which heralds the arrival of the festive season in the town, takes place on Saturday, November 22.

The parade starts from the Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road at 6.15pm and the route will include Broadwater Road, Bell Street and The Hundred arriving outside the Town Hall at 6.30pm.

Pete Lomer from the carnival committee urged people to support the carnival which raises money for local charities.

Mr Lomer said: “The parade will be judged before it leaves the Crosfield Hall and the champion of all classes will receive the Len Fry Challenge Cup”.

Entry forms are available from the Romsey Advertiser front office, 21a Market Place, and on the carnival’s website.

During the carnival parade Romsey Christmas lights will be turned on at 6.30pm by the town mayor, Peter Hurst.

This year the lights are funded by Romsey Town Council and local businesses that also provide some of the qualified volunteers to erect and take down the lights.

Live music will be provided near the Town Hall by The Mountbatten School Wind Band Some streets in the town centre will be affected by temporary road closures and some parking restrictions during the carnival procession and the Christmas lights switch-on with the Crosfield Hall car park being closed from 4pm that afternoon (Saturday, November 22).