THIS year s eagerly-awaited Topsham Fayre promises to be as good as ever before.

THIS year's eagerly-awaited Topsham Fayre promises to be as good as ever before.

That is the view of the event organiser Kevin Hack. The week-long extravaganza starts next Saturday, August 22.

Kevin said: "In the context of what takes place in the area throughout the year, the fayre is the biggest week of community events.

"We hope that it turns out to be better than ever this time around."

An allotment and garden exhibition takes place in Matthews Hall on Sunday, August 23.

A paper artists' competition for children will be held on the Monday morning followed by bingo in the hall that evening and a cheese and wine event at the Globe Hotel.

A coffee morning will take place at Topsham museum on Tuesday and an outdoor dog show near Matthews Hall in the afternoon.

Kevin said: "Wednesday is the Pubathon - a competition for teams who will take part in a whole range of pub-related activities around town."

A quiz night will be held at the Globe Hotel on Thursday, August 27, and Topsham Flower Club will host a display at St Margaret's Church.

The famous carnival gets under way on Saturday, August 29 with the fire station holding an open morning and the swimming pool hosting a number of children's activities on the same day.

A town criers' competition also takes place on the Saturday which will feature criers from all over the country.

Kevin said a new feature this year would be a fun run for adults and children.

He added: "A live band will be playing after the carnival and there will be dancing in the street until 11.30pm in the evening."

Motorists are advised to arrive to each day's events early in order to get a car-parking space.

People can leave their vehicles on Hallam Way, Quay car park, Topsham Rugby Club and the recreation ground.

Drivers are reminded to make sure their cars are removed from the town's streets on Saturday, August 29 - the day of the carnival, so they don't become an obstruction.