Peel is bracing itself for an extra special summer celebration later this year, when the 2020 carnival gets under way.

After much agonising and months of uncertainty, the organisers took the decision to ’stop dithering and worrying’ and go ahead with the annual colourful street party in the west of the island.

Tony Faragher, one of the main organisers, said they were initially resigned to cancelling this year’s event, following the months of social restrictions, but are now appealing to as many people as possible to come along and join in with the celebrations.

’We had all but given up on running this year’s festival, said Tony.

’Even when things started to gradually ease off, we still weren’t sure if it would run or not.

’But then we just decided to stop worrying and dithering about it, and we all just said to just run it, go for it and see what happens.

’So now, as far as I’m aware, we are the only carnival to run this year.

’I don’t think the other carnivals are happening this year and we are really broadening our horizons as far as Ramsey, Douglas or Castletown to attract people who would normally get involved with those ones to come on over to Peel instead and join in with us instead.’

This year’s event will take place on Sunday, August 2 with all events, including the hotly-contested sand castle competition and various street and beach entertainments and live music kicking off from 10am.

The grand parade, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the carnival, will take place at 2pm, with signing on a registering at 1pm by the House of Manannan.

The parade will be led by the Samba Mann band and will feature a colourful range of decorated floats, fancy dress costumes, amazing puppetry and classic vehicles.

Away from the parade, there will be two stages of music, with the swing and blues group Loose Crew and the 10-piece rhythm and soul band Retrospect heading the entertainment on Spit Corner and a range of groups on the horizon stage in the centre of the promenade.

Another exciting appearance this year will courtesy of the Oie Voaldyn performers who will put some of their new costumes on display, as well as hold demonstrations on the beach throughout the day.

The organisers are also hopeful that there will be an appearance by the Purple Helmets at some point in the day too.

’Obviously the thing that is missing this year is that we won’t have our usual performers from across,’ said Tony.

’We always have a great selection of street performers and entertainers who travel over, sword swallowers, fire eaters, the Brazilian dancers and so forth.

’But obviously we can’t get them over. We will make sure we have just as good a time as ever though.’

This year’s carnival will be the last for some of the long-term members of the organising committee. After about 20 and 25 years of volunteering their time, Tony and fellow members Tilly Jones, Ian Baker and Greg Joughin are stepping down.

’I’m really happy we’ve got the chance to do this one last day,’ he said.

’It’s definitely our swansong. But for the carnival to carry on and develop it needs younger people to give it a new sense of energy and direction. I hope that people come forward and help to carry on with this brilliant event.

’But it does feel good to be able to do it one more time.

’I hope people come down and join in, as that’s what the day is all about. The success of the day depends on the public getting stuck in and making it work.

’We are making an appeal for people to come along and join in, and young people especially.

’Quite simply, the best way to enjoy the carnival is to take part in it, and the more people who join in then the better it is for everyone else.’

The selection of the Peel Carnival princess takes place tomorrow night (Friday) at the Sailors’ Shelter from 6pm.

Any girl, aged between nine and 12, and boys or girls aged between five and eight who want to be an attendant can turn up and put their names forward.

by Mike wade

Twitter:@iomnewspapers