High hopes for expanded carnival

Maryport Carnival has received 400 entries for this year's event

Organisers of a carnival which was saved from a risk of folding have announced more than 400 applications to take part in this year's parade.

Maryport Carnival, taking place on Saturday, has a history spanning 50 years and was once a huge event in the town's calendar.

It had been at risk of disappearing when its previous committee members announced they were retiring last year.

New chairman Gary Hampson said this year's event "should be bigger than the past couple of years".

The new committee held fundraising events throughout the year and Mr Hampson said expectations for the event were high.

"A new committee have taken up the reigns from those that have done a cracking job for over the past 10 years.

"As they bowed out, we recognised we had such a high bar to meet before we could implement anything different.

"Hopefully we have done this and Saturday will reflect the work which the committee have put in."

Maryport Carnival is believed to have a history spanning 50 years

Remembering its past, Mr Hampson said: "In its day, the parade went round the whole of Maryport, not just the town area.

"That was something to see. It took hours to get everyone round."

The parade starts in Fleming Square

Judging will take place at 12:00 BST and the parade will start at 13:00 from Fleming Square.

It will take in High Street, Wood Street, Netherhall Corner, Curzon Street, Senhouse Street and Shipping Brow.

Road closures will be in place during the event.