THE countdown to Andover Carnival's 100th year is officially on!

A launch event was held on Thursday, April 11, in the town centre to mark the occasion and remind people about the importance of this year's carnival.

Preparations are already underway for the event taking place on Sunday, July 21.

As part of the countdown, a special hub was set up behind the Guildhall, showcasing photos from past carnivals for residents to reminisce.

READ MORE: Andover Carnival celebrating turning 100 with July event

Kevin Rush, one of the organisers, said the carnival itself doesn't need any exposure because it is the "biggest event in the town", but the launch event was organised to highlight that it is the 100th year of the carnival.

"We have had many visitors to our hub and quite a few people telling us old stories about their parents being in the very first carnival," Mr Rush added.

"The carnival is all about community and bringing people together. As part of the countdown to the 100th year event, we are going to share stories and photos on Facebook to promote the carnival."

The launch strategically coincided with the Thursday market to ensure maximum footfall. 

InAndover's Shelley Coburn, who has joined the organising committee, thanked past and present volunteers of the carnival.

"It's a celebration of all the carnivals held over 100 years," she said.

"We have a lot of photos of previous events. We want to make this year's event a lovely day with a great atmosphere and also raise money for local charities in Andover. All the committee members are volunteers and we don't take any money and that way we want to make sure every single penny we raise goes to the charities. It's about working together and bringing the community together for a greater goal."

Another volunteer, Sarah-Jane Grace, highlighted the goal of making this year's event the grandest yet.

"We want to pay homage to everybody who has kept this tradition going from 1924 through to this year," she said.

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Cllr Iris Andersen, a past carnival participant, expressed her delight at the event's continued success after its 2008 relaunch.

"When we restarted in 2008 we did a walking procession for two years as it was very hard because obviously we had no money in the bank," she recalled.

“I looked after the royals and events fundraising. The royals have flourished from nine-year-olds up to 21 to 24 now. I see them in town now and I feel proud with what they've achieved and how they have supported Andover town."

The carnival will feature a grand procession alongside familiar entertainment in Vigo Park from noon to 9pm. The line-up for the stage is "almost full" according to organisers, with more announcements to be made on the carnival's social media platforms in the coming weeks.

Organisers have also teamed up with InAndover, from Andover BID, which will put on performances and other activities in the high street from 12pm to 4.30pm.