PLANS have been put in place for the return of Burnley Carnival in 2013.

The Lancashire Telegraph revealed in January that a group of people, backed by the Mayor of Burnley, Coun David Heginbotham, wanted to bring the event back to the town.

The carnival has been held in various smaller forms since its heyday in the 1960s, but it could now return as one of the biggest dates in the calendar.

A smaller event will take place this May, before the build-up to a big procession next year.

Salina Clarkin, one of the women behind the plans, said: “We are currently in talks about hosting an event in the town centre on Sunday, May 6 this year to tie in with the Burnley Rock and Blues Festival.

“This will then kick-start the series of events we have planned over the course of the year.

“Carnivals are vibrant, exciting, and somewhat inspirational. They bring people together from all walks of life.”

A number of events are being planned for the rest of the year to help raise funds for local charities, and awareness for next year’s event.

A street dance competition takes place on May 11, a masquerade ball on May 25, and a major street party on the Queen’s Jubilee weekend in June.

Spearheading the re-launch is a former Carnival Queen, Michelle Crane, and her daughter Salina.

They are joined by three Burn- ley businesswomen, Kirsty Woodhouse, of D’Lish Cakes, internet saleswoman Leanne Darby, and Raynor Pepper, of M&H Events. The group have applied for charity status and their aim is to support local charities and community projects.

Michelle said: “What better way of celebrating what Burnley has to offer than by bringing the community together in a big event like a carnival.”

Kirsty said: “We want to bring whole communities together to create something special.”

For more information about the plans visit www.burnley carnival.com