A CARNIVAL is celebrating its 100th anniversary - and organisers hope it will be better than ever after a difficult event last year following the deaths of two former carnival chairmen.

The Brompton Carnival will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend from the evening of Friday, May 17 until late on Monday, May 20, around the village near Northallerton.

The carnival has been a major fixture in the village for 100 years, and before last year had been organised for 25 years by the late Peter Slater - who was known locally as Mr Carnival because of his commitment and enthusiasm for the event.

Last year’s event was due to be organised by Geoff Thompson, but due to ill health he was not able to take a key role in the carnival, and he sadly died before the event.

But this year there has been an injection of new blood into the Brompton Carnival and Sports Committee, which hopes to bring the party atmosphere back to the village for its 100th year.

Committee treasurer Lisa Nelson, 40, said work began on this year’s carnival almost as soon as the last one ended.

She said: “I have been on the committee for three years and am one of the longest-running members so it is quite a new group.

“We have so much planned for the event this year, including some exciting workshops with a BMX skate-boarder, football skills expert and a break-dancer – we pay a lot of money to have the road closed every year so this makes it worth it because that will all be going on.”

Other activities include a circus skills demonstration, balloon sculptures, a magic show, Punch and Judy, an exotic pets show, plus a soft play bus, face painting and temporary glitter tattoos.

Mrs Nelson added: “Our carnival parade on Monday will feature the yearly fancy dress competition, led by Curve Dance dressed as cheerleaders.

“We also have all the usual races and fun fair – and this year there will be a special treat of a free disco and buffet at the Village Inn. The children’s disco will take place from 7pm and the raffle draw and adults disco will start at 8.30pm.”

For more information search Facebook for Brompton Carnival and Sports, or email carnival@bflf.com.