Carnival colours return for one afternoon only Pic: Billy Matthews

Preston Carnival may no longer be dancing its way through the streets of the city but there will still be a party on the Flag Market.

Carnival organisers announced after 40 years they are calling time on the procession after receiving no funding support.

Costing more than £30,000 the organisers found there was no money available and instead are holding a ‘static carnival’.

A Carnival King and Queen are to be crowned on Saturday 11 June and a small-scale carnival celebration is to be held in the city centre.

Chair of the Carnival committee Elaine Webb said: “The King and Queen Competition has always been a great event and this year offers a small-scale opportunity for us to celebrate all of the hard work that goes into costumes and dance routines without the expense of a full carnival.”

The winner of the 2014 Carnival King Pic: Kenneth Blackburn

Dance groups Ablaze Youth Group, Isles in Harmony and Spectrum Association are to perform. Previous costumes have included a giant cobra, fish, skulls and lions.

Related: Pictures from the 2015 Preston Caribbean Carnival

Alongside the dancing will be a children’s funfair, foot stalls, face painting and a treasure hunt. The event runs from 12.30pm to 5pm.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure services councillor Peter Kelly said: “We are pleased to work with the Caribbean Carnival Committee and offer the Flag Market for their mini pop-up carnival for this great community event. I can’t wait to see it.”

The Preston Carnival group is now planning to apply for charitable status to see if funds can be raised for the Carnival procession to return in 2017.

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