BROADSTAIRS carnival is to go ahead this summer with a new committee to be formed to oversee the annual event. The future of the procession was in doubt when the last carnival committee resigned last month after seven years.

At the time the mayor Jeffrey Kirkpatrick pledged he would do everything possible to maintain the summer attraction.

Cllr Kirkpatrick is working to a very tight schedule but hopes to have the organisation in place before his term of office ends on May 13, the date of this year’s mayor-making ceremony and annual meeting of Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council.

Offers of help have already been made and a meeting to formalise the structure of the new carnival and its committee will be held at the town council chamber, Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs, on Tuesday, April 30, at 7.30pm.

Cllr Kirkpatrick said: “We hope to form the committee on the night. If people cannot attend and have skills such as committee secretary, treasurer, driver, or chaperone, I would like them to telephone me before the meeting on 01843 868652.”

A provisional date has also been set for the Broadstairs carnival court selection evening. Cllr Kirkpatrick said: “It will be on Sunday, May 12, at 8pm and will be my last official event of a very busy ceremonial year.”