ORGANISERS say this weekend’s Copythorne Carnival will be one of the best yet.

Hampshire’s Scouting ambassador, James Ketchell, the first and only person to row the Atlantic, cycle around the world, and climb Everest, will crown carnival Queen Megan Wilton  shortly after he opens the event at 1.30pm on Saturday. 

The two-day event, organised by the 2nd New Forest North Stanley’s Own Scout Group, will includes a three-mile carnival procession through the roads of Copythorne, Cadnam, Bartley and Winsor at 5pm tomorrow.

This year’s theme is ‘High Days and Holidays’ and the floats and a fancy dress competition are due to be judged at 1.45pm.

Entertainment through the afternoon at the Scout HQ in Romsey Road includes circus tricks in the main arena at 2.15pm, the Scouts’ trek cart races at 3pm and marching band displays at 4pm.

In the evening there will be a Family Jamboree and hog roast starting at 7pm.

Celebrations continue on Sunday with a steam and vintage rally, from 11am.

In addition to hundreds of exhibits, including steam engines, old cars and motorbikes and buses there will be displays of countryside crafts, live music, children’s games and fun rides.

The event concludes at 5pm.