Former carnival chief to re-stand

Imagine a massive finale in the park with bands, entertainment and a beer tent.

That is Ken Taylor's vision of what the carnival should be like.

He is bidding to become chairman of the Old Town Carnival Association and these are the changes he is determined to put in place if he is elected at the annual general meeting on November 30.

He was desperately disappointed with this year's event and wants to turn the tide and make the carnival great again.

Mr Taylor, who was carnival association chairman in 2000 and 2001, said: "It was a terrible carnival and we know and accept that.

"We have recognised shortfalls and shortcomings and we have got to try and sell the carnival to more people through the town.

"Maybe now is the time to take the carnival into the town and the park. I want to change the carnival to a Saturday and have it coming from the Old Town up Harold Place and into Alexandra Park and have a disco, bands and a beer tent.

"It would be a lot of fun and all we need to do is sell it to the authorities."

The prospective carnival chairman said the longer route would mean the crowds would be more spread out and not jammed into the tight Old Town streets.

He added having a finishing point in the park would make the event more friendly for families, with young and old alike enjoying themselves in a safe environment.

Mr Taylor said the key may be to not only get more people on board but to employ professionals to promote and publicise the event.

He said: "We need people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and do some work.

Maybe we also need a professional publicist and fundraisers to try and promote this."

Ian Lyle, the current chairman of the Carnival Association, said he would stand for re-election but did not say what changes he would like to make for next year's event.