ORGANISERS of the Saffron Walden Carnival have been working closely with law enforcers to ensure that the eight-day event will be the safest on record.

The 2008 carnival was a “great success” in terms of safety and the organisers, Saffron Walden Round Table led by committee chairman Jason Thomson, have been liaising with Essex Police and the local Pubwatch committee to make sure that events held at the marquee this year are enjoyed and trouble free.

Since becoming Pubwatch members in 2008 the carnival committee has now joined the Behave of Be Banned (BOBB) scheme. Any persons currently on the scheme who have been banned from Pubwatch members’ premises will not be able to attend any of the carnival event nights.

Uttlesford’s police inspector Kevin Wakefield, a keen supporter of the BOBB scheme, said: “We have worked hard with Pubwatch and Jason to ensure that troublemakers are kept away from these events so everyone has an enjoyable time.

“We are expecting large numbers of people attending the carnival night events and the procession but we have had full cooperation from Saffron Walden Round Table and we look forward to a successful and peaceful carnival week.”

Mr Thomson said: “Being Pubwatch members and now joining the BOBB scheme is another positive move. It also brings us closer to the licensees of local pubs and we are all working together to make the events, and Saffron Walden, as safe as possible.”

Police licensing officer Steve Sparrow and police sergeant Mick Ashton will be briefing all volunteer bar staff and stewards on licensing laws and policing before the start of the events programme.

• Meanwhile, a host of events are lined up that will take place at various locations during carnival week – July 1-9 – in support of the main marquee events. These are designed to allow as many people to take part in the action as the town nears the start of the biggest ever event staged by the Round Table.

A snooker competition is being held on June 30 at Saffron Snooker Club with a signed Steve Davis cue up for grabs.

Saffron Seals is staging a swimming gala at the Lord Butler Fitness and Leisure centre on Tuesday July 5 and this coincides with the club’s 100th birthday.

Tug-of-war, five-a-side football, car boot sale, craft, wellbeing and food fair are all on the Common and the infamous Bed Race returns to the Market Square.

The ever popular theatrical performance with The Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company in the town hall will this year present Song’s from the Shows.

The procession already has more entrants than in 2008 and anyone wishing to enter a float is encouraged to do so quickly. All forms and information is available from the website – 8dayweekend.co.uk – or the carnival caravan on Tuesdays and Saturdays.