The carnival is returning to Hounslow , which is bracing itself for a riot of live music, colourful costumes and spectacular puppets.

The Night of Festivals, which wowed spectators last summer, is back with an exciting line-up ready to light up Hounslow town centre on June 25 and 26.

This year's festivities, again masterminded by ArtReach, will see the High Street animated throughout the Saturday and Sunday with giant puppets and vibrant costumes, accompanied by music from the percussion and brass street band Sabar Sounds.

Night of Festivals attracted 20,000 people in Hounslow last year

There will be a live stage on Bell Square, featuring local musicians and those from further afield, including Saadoun and 4X4 Bhangra, and Hounslow library will host an intriguing sculpture by Romanian artist Lea Rasovzky.

20,000 people attended last year

More than 20,000 people attended last year's carnival, which included performers aged from three to 80, and organisers promise this year's event will be even bigger and better.

ArtReach director David Hill said: "ArtReach was delighted by the response from the people of Hounslow when the event took place in July 2015.

"We're thrilled that more partners are involved this year, enabling additional artistic activity to create an even more vibrant and spectacular event."

This year's Night of Festivals celebrations in Hounslow will be themed around the Mexican Day of the Dead

The theme of this year's festival is freedom and democracy through artistic innovation, and the costumes by Mandinga Arts are inspired by Orwell’s Animal Farm and the Day of the Dead Mexican holiday.

The carnival will feature a number of local residents, many of whom will get to perform at a special Night of Festivals London event on the South Bank this August.

Costumes inspired by Animal Farm and Day of the Dead

This year's event is supported by Inspire Hounslow, Cultural Community Solutions and Heathrow Community Fund, with additional contributions from Feltham Arts and Hounslow Council.

Alice Botham, of Cutural Community Solutions, said: "As an incredibly multi-cultural borough, Night of Festivals is the perfect event to celebrate and showcase the talent of the Hounslow community.

"The event and its themes of freedom and democracy through artistic expression, holds a mirror up to the community to reflect and boast its diverse spectrum."

Night of Festivals will take place in High Street, Hounslow, from 11am-7pm on the Saturday, and 11am-5pm on the Sunday.

For more, information, visit the Night of Festivals website or follow @NofFestivals on Twitter.