The itinerary for Newbury Carnival has finally shaped up, after a last minute flurry of activity from volunteer organizers. Despite the clash with Live8, organizers are expecting 2,500 in Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon to hear bands rocking out, inspect the floats and end the evening with salsa, meringue and timba from nine-piece latino emigres Salsoneros.

Local bands will also be showcased, with a Battle of the Bands competition, featuring three bands. The Moment Forever (Downs School), Conscience (Park House) and Inkstained Affections (Downs School) will be battling it out for the accolade.

The beer tent, bouncy castle, rifle range and funfair are all laid on, and the evening will be rounded off with a spectacular firework display.

Golfer named

Alan Deacon of Kingsclere has been named as the golfer killed by a thunderbolt in the storms on Tuesday. Newbury.net first revealed the tragedy yesterday morning, prompting messages of sympathy on our forum. He was escaping to the clubhouse at Newbury and Crookham Golf Club in Bury’s Bank Road when the lightning came down at 7.30pm.

Night fever

Gordon’s restaurant bar has extended its opening hours until 2am on Saturdays as competition hots up between the town’s nightspots. The Cheap Street bar has extended its opening hours to 1.30am on Friday, and 12.30 on Thursdays - taking on the Late Lounge, Liquid and Seymours.

However, Gordons is for over 21s only, and has banned hoodies.

Rawhide

Regulars at the Fox and Hounds in Donnington will be dressing up as cowboys and Indians for a Wild West evening. All are welcome, with party games and music, and a hogroast. Tickets are £10 for all you can eat, and

there are vegetarian options too.

Park Way promo

The charm offensive to persuade locals of the merits of the new Park Way shopping centre continue next week. On Tuesday, Shearer Property Group will host a presentation to councillors and residents at the Newbury Area Forum. The meeting will also discuss policing in Newbury, with members of the Thames Valley Police answering questions from the public.

The meeting starts at 6.30pm in the Market Street council chamber.