SOHAM Carnival is the biggest event on the town’s calendar - and this year the carnival is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a packed programme of diamond standard entertainment.

Wisbech Standard: Last year's carnival princesses, Mia Hession, 10; Tiegan Smith. 7, and 11-year-old Fiona Darlow.Last year's carnival princesses, Mia Hession, 10; Tiegan Smith. 7, and 11-year-old Fiona Darlow. (Image: Mark Fairhurst © 2012)

The search for former carnival princesses was featured on the BBC One Show - and lots of princesses will take part in the celebrations on Bank Holiday Monday, and there will be a large screen displaying pictures of the carnival’s 60-year history.

Wisbech Standard: Visitors admire an Asian Collared Scops owl from the Raptor Foundation back in 2011.Visitors admire an Asian Collared Scops owl from the Raptor Foundation back in 2011. (Image: mark fairhurst & Ely Standard)

The Soham Benevolent Association was formed in 1954, after the success of the first Soham Carnival and Heavy Horse Show, to celebrate the Queen’s coronation.

Wisbech Standard: Graffiti art at Soham Carnival & Heavy Horse Show.Graffiti art at Soham Carnival & Heavy Horse Show. (Image: Mark Fairhurst © 2012)

The aim of the Association is to provide a great day out for families, whilst also raising funds for local charities, and thousands of pounds have been raised over its history.

Wisbech Standard: Team Extreme will delight the crowds at Soham carnival & Heavy Horse Show.Team Extreme will delight the crowds at Soham carnival & Heavy Horse Show. (Image: Mark Fairhurst © 2012)

A full day’s entertainment has been organised for the event held on the recreation ground, with the traditional heavy horse show running from 9am to 1pm.. The popular Team Extreme are returning to the event with their BMX, scooter and skateboard mastery to wow the crowds. Also confirmed are the Funky Fidos flyballers, Sammy Magic Magic, the Queen tribute band ROCK Q, and numerous stalls, a beer tent, and barbecue.

The carnival parade of floats will leave Townsend at 1pm, and travel through the town to the recreation ground, arriving about 1.45pm. Prizes are on offer for the best floats from local organisations, schools, youth group and business.

Other attractions will include the Raptor Foundation, majorettes, a live music stage, graffiti artists, Punch and Judy, Soham Comrades Band, AFC Marching Band, a fun fair and bygones display.

Admission costs £3.50, concessions £2.50 and children 50pence.