BRIGHT costumes and music will again fill the streets of Penhill this summer when the estate’s own carnival returns for the first time in 16 years.

Penhill Carnival, founded in 1976, was an annual community highlight for decades and the festival had grown to a week-long event when it came to a natural end in 1995.

Now a partnership of local organisations is developing plans to revive the tradition with a Penhill Carnival and Community Day on Saturday, July 2.

Lorna Breslin, 44, of Burbage Road, who has lived in Penhill for 26 years, attended the carnival when she was a girl and is now involved in the revival project.

She said: “My mum used to bring us up to Penhill to the carnival and it used to be amazing.

“I can remember the majorettes, all sorts of colours and all sorts of themes.”

Penhill will get a taste of the festivities with a carnival celebration at the John Moulton Hall in Penhill Drive on June 3 from 5pm to 8pm.

The event is planned to feature a party, a talent competition and the selection of the carnival king, queen, prince and princess.

Swindon North MP Justin Tomlinson has agreed to officially open the carnival at the hall on Friday, July 1, with the event itself happening the next day.

The carnival fancy dress procession, featuring colourful characters from local groups, is proposed to leave St Peter’s Church and complete a loop of Penhill Drive.

Swindon Academy plans to host a morning fete in its grounds and in the afternoon, the focus would move to outside of St Peter’s Church where there would be a showcase of local groups, such as Zumba Fitness, Banxy street dancers and Swindon Academic Choir.

There would then be entertainment and attractions outside the John Moulton hall, including a fairground, inflatable football pitch, drummers, circus performers and a barbecue.

Barry Duke, a former Swindon speedway rider, who lives in Penhill, has also agreed to bring out his bike to show to carnival-goers.

Eddie Hawkins, 51, the stage manager at the Penhill Players, hopes the theatre group take part in the programme of events.

Eddie, who has lived in Penhill Drive for eight years, said: “The kids will have fun and if it takes off in a big way there’s plans to make it a little bit bigger and a little bit more spectacular next year.”

Organisers are seeking volunteers to act in a number of roles, including marshalls, floating assistants and judges to choose the royal carnival family.

Call Ingrid on 01793 723687.