CROCODILES, entertainers and a parade through the town will all feature in this year’s Witney Carnival.

About 3,500 people are expected to attend Saturday’s event, which raises thousands of pounds for charity.

Charles Ford, chairman of the carnival committee, said: “It will be a very family-friendly day, aimed at all age groups — from nine months to 90 years.”

The carnival, which this year is themed around the world of film, will kick off at 11am with a procession through Witney.

Floats will be joined by dancers and musicians to parade from The Leys to Corn Street, Welch Way and High Street, before returning to The Leys.

The carnival will then be officially opened in The Leys at 12.15pm.

Horse jockey A P McCoy was due to open the festivities, but has pulled out and been replaced by crocodile man Shaun Foggett. Mr Foggett, who runs Crawley-based zoo Crocodiles of the World, will have some of his crocodiles and alligators at the carnival.

He said: “It is a great honour to be asked to open the carnival.

“I have lived in Witney all my life, and I have always been to the carnival — I was on the floats when I was little.”

After the opening ceremony, the Oxfordshire Caledonian Pipe Band will perform.

Chunky Russell and Mr Alexander, who performs juggling, unicycling and magic, will entertain children through the day.

Festival-goers will also get to see dancing from the Doyle School of Irish Dancers and the Hazzaz Isisters Belly Dancers.

There will also be a dog show, which residents can enter their pets into to win prizes, and donkey and train rides for youngsters.

Witney mayor, Harry Eaglestone, said: “The carnival is a really good thing for Witney.

“It brings a lot of people together and helps give that community spirit — it all helps towards the ‘Big Society’.”

Witney Carnival is organised by the Rotary Club of Witney, Witney Lions Club, Witney Round Table, and Witney Air Training Corps.

Last year, the carnival raised £9,000 for charities.