CALLS are being made to sign up volunteers to help organise the ‘at risk’ 2017 Accrington Carnival.

The celebration, usually held every other year, was previously organised by the Accrington Lions, who have since decided to step down from holding the event.

MORE TOP STORIES:

A small group of residents have now got together to talk about the viability of hosting the event again next year and have planned a public open meeting for Tuesday, November 15.

Gayle Knight, who organised the meeting, said: “If it’s not going to be taking place in 2017 then that would be a shame.

“I know a lot of people who had the same concerns, and it wasn’t going to happen without that first step forward.

“I think it’s a great community event that people enjoy and it lifts their spirits. It’s a positive thing for the town, it brings the community together, not just from Accrington but all over Hyndburn.”

The carnival has been happening every other year since 1959 and attracts thousands of people each year.

Volunteers are hoping to get businesses, charities and any interested parties involved in the planning.

Fundraisers will also be needed for the festival, as it will be set up by a community group starting from scratch.

Although Ms Knight, who also organises Oswaldtwistle Carnival, wants the event to go ahead, she said it depends on support from residents.

The Civic Arts Centre and Theatre worker said: “The idea is that if we can get enough support and people willing to put in the effort and we can get the funds it will go ahead.

“It all depends what happens at the meeting, we’ll just have to see. If hundreds of people are looking to run it and help then, we can start to look at it too. We just have to see if there is the level of support and enthusiasm for it.”

The meeting will be held at 6pm on November 15, at the Hyndburn Voluntary and Community Resource Centre, Cannon Street, Accrington.