THE carnival countdown has begun: Wantage charity champ and carnival king Ray Collins has officially lit the fuse for this year's town treat.

Launching the line-up on Sunday with students from the Wantage's American Dance School, Oxfordshire Rock Choir singers and members of ska headliners The Inflatables, Mr Collins promised the 2018 event would be 'the biggest and best family fun day of the year'.

Taking over the town centre on Sunday, June 10, this year's carnival will run from 11am to 7pm, with the much-loved parade featuring Wantage Silver Band at 11.45am.

The Mayor will officially open proceedings at midday then leave locals to enjoy the 'giant funfair', market stalls, licensed VW camper bar, gin bar by In Fine Spirits and food stalls.

As usual, the town's exotic pet shop Lenny’s Lizards will be showing off snakes and there will also be chances to get temporary glitter tattoos, face painting and a 'grand raffle'.