The popular Preston Caribbean Carnival is set to make a return in 2020 despite the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to social distancing regulations the usual music, dancing and atmosphere of the Carnival will be missing from the streets of Preston for the first time in 46 years.

But the organisational committee behind the event have decided that if the procession can’t happen they will hold the festival’s first ever online Carnival instead.

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In the inclusive nature of the Carnival they want everyone to take part and it get involved in three easy steps:

1. Visit the Preston Carnival website.

2. Upload videos, photos or a message to the website that you’d like to be included as part of the online event. The image or video the organisers feel best represents the spirit of carnival will win an iPad.

3. Put your party clothes and headdress on, light the barbecue, make your cocktails and enjoy the Carnival’s online music and videos.

Find virtual events from your area below

Carnival organiser, Tracey Harris, said: “This is definitely a carnival like no other, but it is important to maintain the continuity and have a different type of event that the community can still get involved with, we aim to bring the feel of Carnival into people’s homes and garden.”

Sponsor, Bradley Lincoln from FYC said “As we prepare to launch our new hair care range, we felt that being part of one of the oldest cultural events in the UK was the place to start.”

Danny Bee, Director of UK Media and Events said “We were excited to be selected to produce this project; it’s the first of a kind for us but it will definitely not be the last in this new normal.”

The Carnival is due to take place on Sunday 9 August from 2pm – 4pm.

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Share your memories of Preston Carnival with us in the comments below.