Leysdown Carnival will return this year – and organisers hope it will be “bigger and more spectacular” than before.

The annual parade was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in its 42-year history due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event, held every summer, regularly draws thousands of people to the eastern end of the Island, with streets heaving as residents, holidaymakers and visitors watch the festivities and soak up the atmosphere.

Mary Culver, one of the organisers, said she was “excited” preparations were now underway for the carnival, on Saturday, August 21.

She added: “Fingers crossed everything is allowed to go ahead. Cancelling last year’s carnival was sad, but I am hoping the absence will have made hearts grow fonder.

“After the terrible pandemic year, which left heartbreak and sadness for many, I am hoping everyone will want to join us respectfully and rebuild the carnival. We would love a parade full of joy, colour and smiles.”

The parade will be accompanied by stalls on The Spinney.

Mrs Culver said: “We will need help on the day. This could be manning a stall or helping on the parade route to keep people safe.

“We are preparing a list of jobs that will need covering - we are a small committee and struggle year-on-year.

“The parade itself needs people too. Anyone is welcome to dress up and walk the parade, any dance groups who wish to come along would be great and the icing on the cake would be a marching band. We are going to do our best to find all of these wonderful attractions for 2021.”

For more or to get involved, call Mary on 07801 578883 or visit the Leysdown Carnival Team 2021 Facebook page.

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