SETTLE is to see a return of the annual carnival, with Saturday, June 20, earmarked as the date the event will be revived in the town next year.

The public was invited to go along to a meeting on Monday to discuss plans to re-start the annual event which ceased in the mid-1990s.

If enough support comes from the local area, the first of the new carnivals is earmarked to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

The suggestion from the council is that the event could start at Greenfoot Car Park and process through the town ending in the Settle Swimming Pool car park, followed by games and entertainment.

The cost to the council to get the event off the ground is expected to be around £5,000. This will cover street closures, insurance and other expenses.

Chairing the meeting town councillor Simon Desborough said several people had approached him with the idea of reviving the carnival and he wanted to see if there was enough interest.

“I think there will be enough support to organise a small carnival next year and allow it to grow,” he said.

Resident Mark Dale said he had helped organise music festivals in the past and it was important to get organised as early as possible, with as many volunteers as possible.

County Councillor Richard Welch said it may be difficult to revive the carnival as it had been in the past as many of the businesses which supported it with floats were no longer around or had fewer employees.

He also said there was a week of events in the run up to the carnival and that neighbouring villages took part.

Cllr Joe Lord said it would be good to have an event unique to Settle, such as a decorated pram race.

It was also suggested music and a bar would be provided for evening entertainment.

The council agreed to organise insurances and liaise with police for road closures and provide flyers to put in shops. A web page is also to be created.

An open day for more information will take place at the council offices on Wednesday, October 16, from 4pm to 8pm.