A NEW committee want to revive Bridport’s carnival, encouraging more residents and businesses to get involved and go back to more ‘traditional’ parade.

The new carnival committee was formed following the AGM in January and it has between 15 and 20 members.

Paul Hicken has taken over as chairman and said: “This year we are getting ourselves out there and to advertise as much as possible.

“It is a new committee with new ideas – we want to make it more of a traditional carnival.

“What we hope to achieve is to get all the charitable organisations involved in supporting the community and carnival.

“We will try and make it the best we can.”

This year the carnival will take place on Saturday, August 17, but events are planned to take place throughout the week, starting with a quiz at The Ropemakers on the Tuesday, a bingo night on the Wednesday and darts on the Friday.

The committee are also looking for deserving charities to both benefit financially and help with this year’s carnival.

The charities that joined last year helped in the preparation of the various events as well as selling tickets for the grand raffle.

Any charities that would like to take contribute to and benefit from this year’s carnival should state the charity, how much help the group can give and how a donation will benefit members or the community.

Any businesses that would like to sponsor classes should also get in touch with the committee.

Entries are now also open for Miss Bridport and two attendants, aged 10 and over, as well as a new ‘silver queen’.

The committee is also calling on any individuals or businesses that have carnival cups to bring them to A.G. Downes funeral directors at 66 South Street.

All enquiries regarding Miss Bridport, charities and businesses looking to get involved with the carnival can be sent to Joyce Dunford at A.G. Downs funeral directors, 66 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NN or by emailing joycedunford@yahoo.co.uk