Preston’s Caribbean Carnival is to hit the city’s streets once again this summer.

‘Lets get the trucks back in de road’ is the cry from organisers after the festival was saved.

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A lack of funds saw the Carnival scrapped in 2016 but an emergency meeting and fundraising appeal means the costumes and beats can make their way through the city once more.

Moor Park is to be the main venue for the celebration of Preston’s Afro-Caribbean heritage which has taken place for 40 years.

Procession on its way Pic: Ali Dean

The parade will make its way from the park into the city centre and then back to the park during Sunday 25 June.

Last year the main carnival didn’t take place only a pale imitation on the Flag Market for a couple of hours.

Chairwoman for the carnival Tracey Harris said: “People really missed the carnival. When we announced it wouldn’t be taking place there were so many messages saying they were so upset.

“We have regrouped and we now have a Plan A, B and C in place so there will be a parade.

“It’s a mix of fundraising we’re doing ourselves and the community.”

Read more: What’s on in Preston during 2017 – the dates for your diary

The carnival costs around £25,000 to stage due to money needed for security, traffic management and the other infrastructure parts of the procession.

Help from the council

Preston City Council provides no direct funding for the event but events manager Tim Joel said they were pleased to see the carnival returning.

He said: “We’ve got a great summer coming up and to have the Carnival back is always a popular event.

“We will be offering as much support as we can to help the Carnival take place.”

More than 1,500 people take part in the Carnival’s main procession from dancers to drummers.

Ms Harris said: “We have a bid in with the Arts Council to help with costs of costumes and the stage shows too. We’re very hopeful this will be successful as this is one of the largest events in the city and the feedback last year showed a very important one.”

Where will the jerk chicken be?

When the carnival returns to Moor Park there will be a number of food stalls and live music to enjoy.

Ms Harris said: “Now all we need to hope is that the sun shines! Even if it doesn’t we still know how to carnival.”

You can follow the Carnival’s progress and find out how you can help or take part by visiting the Carnival Facebook page.

Will you be taking part in the Carnival? Let us know in the comments below

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