ALONGSIDE the trampoline and giant inflatables at next month’s Wantage Carnival, more than 20 independent local businesses will join the fun.

Arts and crafts, handbags, furniture, jams and pickles by local producers will be on sale at the event on Sunday, August 30.

Ray Collins, who “rebooted” the carnival in 2013 after a 25-year absence, said he wanted to build on the town’s recent retail success.

In November, Wantage was crowned Best Town Centre in the country in the Great British High Street Awards after efforts by its Town Team filling vacant shops.

Mr Collins, who manages Peter Ledbury electricals in Grove Street, said: “More than 20 businesses will have stalls creating a market in the heart of the carnival.”

Wantage Mayor St John Dickson will open the event at midday but the fun starts at 11am.

Low-carbon group Sustainable Wantage will put on children’s activities alongside stalls from Wantage Camera Club and Wantage Gardeners plus a barbecue from Wantage Rotary Club.

Live music will be provided all day by local bands including Guitar Heroes and the Publix.

Running parallel to the carnival, Motorlux garage in Wallingford Street will hold a Ford Revival day. At 4.30pm the classic cars will drive through the town.

Wantage’s Shush night club will provide a licensed bar with a carnival ale all day.

Tractors from Challow’s LJ&CA Cannings and creatures from Wantage reptile sanctuary Lenny’s Lizards will be on show.

Money raised will be split between Wantage’s 14 Club and Beatbox youth club, which help people with learning difficulties, Yellow Submarine café in Oxford and Churchill Hospital.