PREPARATIONS are in full swing to bring a carnival fun day to town.

The Ulverston Carnival Family Fun Day will mostly be taking place at Ford Park on July 2. The town band is set to play at the marketplace from 10.45am-11.45am before the celebrations move to Ford Park between 12pm-5pm.

From stockades and wet sponges to ball games and hook-a-duck, there will be something to entertain the whole family.

Unfortunately, due to a turbulent two years throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, there will be no tap-dancing competition at this year’s carnival and no parade around the town centre.

Carnival coordinator Peter Winston said: “There are no carnival day parades in the Furness area this year because two of the dance schools have folded, and others had to close during Covid, and they haven’t really got back underway yet.

“Some are saying that they are doing shows, but not carnivals this year.

“There are no dancing competitions and no dance boards being laid, that’s a big change for us this year.”

The lack of dancers has also contributed to the cancellation of this year’s parade, with dance schools usually forming around 60 entries in the parade, with the average parade containing 70 to 80 entries.

This means that without the dancers, the parade would be just 10 minutes long.

It is hoped that the carnival will see a return of dancers next year, though this is still up in the air.

Despite the changes, the committee are still hoping to bring lots of fun to town for youngsters.

“On the left of the field we have a stage with a children’s entertainer and various acts throughout the day,” said Peter.

“There’ll be a range of different games for children like rounders and ball games, and there’ll be a range of stalls for toys and gifts, candy floss, face painting, a funfair with certain rides - it is all youth orientated.”

Food stalls will be available within the shade of the trees.

Peter said: “Among the trees we’ll have a food area with hot food, donuts, coffee, a tea tent and a small prosecco bar. There’ll be no beer tent.”

Parking will be available on the Ford Park field.