Maldon Carnival will return for the first time since 2018, starting at 2.15pm on Saturday 6 August.

Louise Pringle, one of the volunteers helping to organise this year's event, told Nub News: "We're hoping to bring it back bigger and better this year."

This year's theme is the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Headline sponsor Maldon Salt, which was granted a Royal Warrant in 2012, is set to take part in the Carnival procession.

While the Carnival was cancelled during the pandemic, a lack of volunteers forced it to be cancelled in 2019. This year, organisers are hoping to get the community more involved.

Louise said: "Any help is much appreciated."

This year's Carnival Court: Amy, Ayla, Ellie-Mae, Grace, Mia and Anya. (Photo: Maldon Carnival)

The floats involved in the procession are free to use, so organisers are encouraging individuals and families to take the opportunity to join in, alongside local businesses.

Louise has urged Maldonians to show their support for the "free, fun, family event".

She added: "People are more than welcome to join in with the parade on the day."

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Hauliers Simarco and Ostrich Transport have lent the use of their lorries for the procession, covering the cost of fuel and time.

Before the main Carnival Day on August 6, there will be several family events held in Maldon and Heybridge.

Monday 1 August

Family Sports Day

• A free event, running from 10am until 12pm
• Featuring running races, obstacle egg and spoon races, and more
• King George V Playing Field, Heybridge

'Tiny Sing' Teddy Bear Picnic

• Songs for young children, from 12.30pm until 2pm
• Entrance costs £5
• King George V Playing Field, Heybridge

Cash Bingo

• Starts at 7pm
• Entrance costs £12, and includes entry, bingo book and flyers
• A bar is available
• At Maldon Town Hall

Tuesday 2 August

Royal Children's Carnival Party

• Crafts based around the Queen's Platinum Jubilee theme, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
• Entry costs £5, but places are limited
• At Maldon Town Hall

Wednesday 3 August

Bonniest Baby Competition

• A competition for new-borns to age 24 months, from 1pm until 3pm
• Entrance costs £3, £1 for spectators
• At Maldon Town Hall

Thursday 4 August

Car Treasure Hunt

• From 7pm to 8pm
• Entrance costs £6
• The hunt will take place at various locations, starting at Plantation Hall, Heybridge

The Race Night previously scheduled for Tuesday 2 August has been postponed for later in the year, with a date to be announced shortly.

Louise says plans for the big day on August 6 look "absolutely excellent".

She said: "I'm really excited that we've got it back."

"The Carnival has been going since 1895. If it doesn't go ahead next year or the year after, we'd have to start it again from scratch."

Several carnivals throughout Essex, such as in Southend and Braintree & Bocking, have been cancelled due to funding issues and a lack of volunteers.

Louise said: "I just think it's sad – it's so important to keep them going.

"Even if you can only help out at one event, it still takes the pressure off.

"If everybody does just one little thing, it makes it so much easier."

This year, organisers are asking locals what Maldon Carnival favourites they would like to see at next year's event, such as the 'bed race' held in 1981. Competitors raced from The Chequers Pub (now the site of Barclays), down the High Street to Promenade Park, on beds.

The Bed Race down Maldon High Street, 1980. (Photo: Martin Feeney)

As always, volunteers will be collecting donations on the day for local causes. This year, donations will be split between primary schools in Maldon and the Mayor's chosen charities: Home-Start Maldon, the Essex Book Festival and heritage sites in the town.

For those who prefer to donate online, a GoFundMe page has also been set up, which can be found here.

Last May, the Carnival received £5,750 from the National Lottery Community Fund, which Louise said was "very helpful".

She added: "We fundraise all year for the Carnival, with Halloween parties, Santa Claus visits, bingo nights, quiz nights and more."

Follow Maldon Carnival on Facebook, Instagram, or visit the website for more information.