Maryport carnival is making a comeback.

The event, which was traditionally held in the summer, has been through turbulent times in recent years with a lack of volunteers and money.

Organisers called a halt to the carnival about six years ago.

Last year a group including Maryport town councillors, Round Table and other individuals and organisations decided to hold a gala day instead of a carnival.

Now councillors Billy Pegram, Linda Radcliffe and Lee Williamson have decided to give the full carnival another try.

Committee chairman Councillor Pegram said this year’s carnival would revert to the original format.

A carnival king and queen will lead the parade, selected by pupils at Netherhall School.

They will be joined by Maryport Paralympian Simon Lawson.

The carnival will be held on Saturday, July 8.

The parade will follow a shorter route than in previous years, going from Fleming Square, down Wood Street to Netherhall Corner, along Curzon Street, up Senhouse Street and down Shipping Brow.

Flimby brass band will play opposite the Wave Centre where there will also be a fairground and stalls.

The day will end with entertainment provided by bands in Maryport Navy Club.

Carni McCarron-Holmes, long time secretary and then president of the carnival committee, said she was thrilled it was returning.

“The carnival was first held in the 1930s. It was revived for a couple of years in the 1950s.

Mrs McCarron-Holmes and her committee revived it again in 1971 when it became one of the largest, most popular carnivals in Cumbria.

“In those days there were so many businesses and factories in the town and they all put something in. It is such a shame to lose it.”

The carnival has struggled to survive over the past few years because of a lack of helpers and money.

During that time it has been cancelled twice and replaced, five years ago, by a static carnival and, last year, the gala day.