A new campaign has been launched to revive a historic carnival in Wiltshire that once drew thousands to the town centre.
According tp gazetteandherald, there has not been a Chippenham Carnival for several years, but the annual event used to draw big crowds, with over 14,000 people attending in 2019 when the carnival was run by Chippenham Connected.
Despite this success, organisers at the time warned the carnival needed support from local people and businesses to survive.
Years later the carnival has fallen out of the town’s calendar, but a group is now planning to bring it back.
Chris Dallimore is one of those hoping to help the carnival return to the area.
Mr Dallimore believes there is “plenty of appetite” for the carnival and hopes it will be a boost for businesses in the town centre.
He said: “Many people in Chippenham have fond memories of the carnival and its various traditions such as the carnival procession.
“Myself and a group of local residents believe there is now plenty of appetite for it to return, and we are looking to get together and see if we can make it possible.
“It’s very important for Chippenham to hold big events like this as it encourages a community spirit, is something to look forward to and can boost trade in the town.
“The annual Folk Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch on are both fantastic events, and we would like the Chippenham Carnival to be restored alongside them as part of the civic calendar.”
The group hopes to bring the carnival back by 2027 and the first step on this journey will be taken at an initial meeting on July 17.
