CARNFORTH'S classic carnival is poised for a summer 2015 comeback.

The traditional parade of decorated floats, carnival queen and marching bands last wound its way through the railway town's streets in the 1980s.

In its heyday the carnival attracted guest appearances from famous faces such as footballer Emlyn Hughes, actors from Emmerdale Farm and Liz Dawn, who played Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth.

The newly revived carnival is to take place on Saturday, July 4 next year, and dozens of people turned out to a recent public meeting to pledge their support.

Andrea Smith, who runs local cancer charity Trust Tilly, came up with the idea after holding a successful charity fun day last year.

"I said it would be really great if we could bring the carnival back," she told the Gazette. "I just put something on Facebook and all sorts of people got involved."

A committee of 20 or so people has been formed, with Andrea as chair, and Morecambe Carnival's organisers have already shared their ideas and expertise.

Excitement at the plans has captured many townsfolk, who have been sharing their carnival memories and old photos on Facebook.

Next July's event looks set to feature a procession of decorated floats around Carnforth, including a newly crowned carnival queen as well as a float of past queens and princesses; dressage horses; Brownies, Cubs and Air Cadets. Best dressed shop and street competitions are on the cards, as well as a grand finale on the fields of Carnforth High School.

Praising Carnforth's strong community spirit, Andrea said the revival was about "people wanting to give those same memories to their children and grandchildren".

Carnforth and District Chamber of Trade is among the revival's supporters. "The whole town is behind it," said chair Caroline Charnley.

"We are always looking for events that boost the town because we realise we are at the centre of so many beautiful tourist attractions, and then we have our own tourist attraction with the station, so we are always wanting to bring people in for special events.

"The nice thing about the carnival is it benefits the local people as well and gets the kids involved."

Meanwhile, hopes of reviving the carnival were discussed at a recent meeting of Carnforth Town Council’s finance committee. Members voted to recommend that the town council give £1,000 to the carnival comeback committee. Two town councillors – Paul Gardner and George Wilson – have joined the committee.

Potential sponsors are invited to contact Andrea on 07799-108360.