Now is the time to begin preparing for this summer’s Helston in Bloom competition and harvest fair.

The gardening competition will be judged first, next month, and anyone living in the town or running a business there can take part.

There will be prizes for best residential hanging basket or container, as well as best large and small gardens, with the same categories for commercial entries.

Schools can also enter a hanging basket or container, as well as a small garden.

Application forms can be sent by emailing Helstoninbloom@epworthhall.com or visiting Fruit and Veg 4 U or Sweet Pea, both in Meneage Street.

Winners will be invited to a presentation ceremony on Sunday, September 8 at the end of the horticultural show.

The town’s Helston Harvest Fair group is also looking for entries for this year’s carnival, which will take place on Saturday, September 7.

Entrants will meet at the football club ready for judging by Rebecca Wills and Tiffany Truscott at 4pm, before the carnival leaves to make its way through the town at 5pm. Organisers are hoping it will be bigger and better than ever before, with more details available from emma.wooderson@gmail.com Also on that Saturday will be the family pet show in the Epworth Hall at 10am, followed by the Kennel Club registered dog show at 1pm, as part of a shakeup of events for this year. Application forms for both events will be available soon.

Cornish wrestling will take place in the Sunken Garden at 2pm and the day will end with the band Cahooty playing at the Epworth Hall from 8pm until 11pm – tickets available soon.

The following day, Sunday, September 8, is the horticultural show, which is usually held on the Saturday. The different classes will be available in a show programme and to help younger people enter there will be cookery and craft shops taking place during the summer holidays for youngsters. Dates and times will be published shortly.