Do you sometimes wonder where all of the community spirit has disappeared to?

Pop to Newport Pagnell on Saturday and you'll find an abundance of the stuff, at the 48th annual town carnival.

Last year rain stopped play but it didn't dampen the spirits of organisers, who went straight back to work assembling a cracking package for you that will come alive this Saturday.

A Moment In Time is the theme for 2008, which means practically anything goes – it could be a moment from the past, the present, or the future, making for an interesting package of colourful floats... the details of which will only be revealed on the day.

The parade itself is expected to leave its familiar starting point at Blakelands shortly before midday and, floats aside, will also feature a vintage and classic car rally with some 50 motors adding va-va-vroom to the affair!

Remember to give a wave to the carnival court too – Queen Jody Bates and princesses Emilie Waller and Shannon Phillips will star in the procession.

The parade will snake its way into Newport, through the town and down to Riverside Meadow, where the entertainment will continue.

Music will come from those funny folks the Bolivian Sunshine Dogs (featuring members of the MK Theatre of Comedy) and there will be song of a different type when Oakgrove School pupil Paul Guest sings.
Local ale-houses are organising a tug-o-war, the Wolverton Branch of the Air Training Corps will be on hand and Julian Smith will dazzle with his magic tricks.

The funfair will get you in a spin, and hold on tight to the Rodeo Bull. Quad bikes, bouncy castles, a model railway, stalls and a beer tent are just some of the other goodies.

Like 007 do you? A slice of the Bond flair will be there – the motor Vanquish that appeared in Die Another Day will be on display at the event. And splash a little cash on the community raffle ... you could ride off with a bike donated by Roy Pink Cycles.

Of course, carnival day is a good day to rid your abode of that loose change lurking, with an army of street collectors out and about, buckets in hand, filling the coffers for charity. A few pence here and there soon adds up.

We should give mention to MK Community Foundation and Stimpsons Eves who have sponsored the show and, while we are at it, organisers have put out an appeal for more committee members.

Volunteering doesn't take up a lot of time, but does bring a lot of smiles to the town. Fancy getting involved or finding out more? Call MK 617903.