THERE is a packed programme to suit all tastes at this year's Tavistock Carnival, which starts on July 9.

The event kicks off with a rock 'n' roll dance in the town hall organised in conjunction with the Western Union Jive Club, with jiving to Alan's Rock 'n' Roll disco.

On the Wednesday July 14 in Tavistock Parish Church there is an evening of musical entertainment featuring music from the Stannary Brass Band and songs from the Tavistock Musical Theatre Company and the Tavistock Children's Theatre Club.

At the other end of the musical spectrum is the rock night on the Friday of Carnival Week when a group of young local musicians will be playing from 9pm at the Union Inn, the evening being sponsored by Francis Jasper, the pub's landlord.

Other events include the annual baby show in the Parish Rooms on July 11, sponsored by Dukes Coffee House and Boots and a fashion show on Saturday evening at Tavistock College, featuring fashion from Tilly Whims, Quinns and Image, plus St Luke's Hospice's Ecovision take on clothing.

The evening, sponsored by Crebers, will be hosted by Pirate FM breakfast presenter Bob McCreadie and will feature live music from all-female singing group Eden.

'Fun Day in the Meadows" on July 11 will include the crowning of Lydia Stevenson, this year's carnival princess, accompanied by attendants Chloe Baker, Jodie Hall and Polly O'Loughlin as well as music from Blowzone and Tube, a companion dog show together with demonstrations of dog agility and flyball, hot air balloon demonstrations (weather permitting), children's rides, car boot sale and entertainment as well as a licensed bar with live music provided by Tavistock Round Table. A special feature will be the choosing of Tavistock's new town crier for which the Lions currently have four candidates.

On the Monday evening there is a walking treasure hunt for all the family around the town centre, starting in Bedford Square at 6pm and on Tuesday also at 6pm, young artists can draw on the pavements in Brook Street as part of the popular pavement artists' competition, sponsored by Mainly Stationery.

On Thursday evening Tavistock Athletic Club will stage the Town Relay Races, starting at 6.30pm from Meadowlands.

Friday sees the three-legged pub race, starting at 7.30pm when teams of two race between various pubs within the town,­ taking 'light refreshment' at each location.

Saturday July 17 is the main carnival day with the all-day fair in Bedford Square.

The procession, the theme for which is 'Let's Celebrate', will follow the new route which was introduced two years ago and which proved popular, especially with the walkers.

It will start in Down Road at 6.30pm, following its normal route until it reaches the Square where it will go straight across, turning left into West Street then Ford Street, left at the mini roundabout by Drake's Stores and left again at Drake's Statue then along Plymouth Road.

It will then turn right across Abbey Bridge and right again into Whitchurch Road where it will disperse at Abbey Rise.

The week concludes with the carnival draw at 8pm in Bedford Square.

Full details of all the events will be published in the Mardi Gras carnival magazine which will be hand delivered to homes around Tavistock, in the Times and at http://www.tavistocklions.org.uk">www.tavistocklions.org.uk or call 0845 833 4807.