Following an appeal for volunteers in the Watford Observer a “Bushey Carnival” and parade will take place this year after a three year break.

Some 25 volunteers attended a meeting at the Lincolnsfields Children's Centre last night, leading to the creation of a six member Bushey Carnival Ad-hoc Committee.

The event on July 4, part of the 26th Bushey Festival, will take place in the Lincolnsfields Centre in Bushey Hall Drive.

A costumed parade, soap box derby, best decorated push chair competition and arena events are among the entertainment on offer. A wide range of stalls and collections for local charities is also planned.

In keeping with the “Forties Experience” activities hosted regularly at the charity centre, the day will have a loose “40’s” theme.

This will include 40p stalls, 40p lucky dips, 40p entrance to the site activities for all children, and special competitions for people born in the 1940s and turning 40 years old this year.

The centre's manager, Francis McLennan said: “The meeting was very exciting and well attended by people of all ages, all committed to the idea of creating a great, inexpensive day out for families”

“The enthusiasm was tangible with ideas coming thick and fast. Due to shortage of organising time the group decided that rather than attempt a full street parade carnival with floats, which would involve road closures and massive stewarding this year’s event should be “off-road” and smaller than the original carnivals.

He said “ I am particularly excited by the involvement of several local young adults who have been involved in costume design and creation for the famous Notting Hill Carnival who will be organising advance workshops for children and parents to provide help, advice and materials for creating really exciting carnival costumes”.

“We hope that local groups pubs, clubs, businesses, youth organisations, schools, churches etc. will get involved and organise teams to enter the soap box derby which will have prizes for fastest, best dressed and best decorated man-powered carts.”

He said funds raised from the event would benefit local charities but also help fund a bigger carnival and parade next year.

The next meeting of the committee takes place on Tuesday April 14 at 7.30pm at the Lincolnsfields Centre. Anyone interested in getting involved is asked to telephone Francis McLennan on 01923 227449 or Brian Turner at bodywise60@hotmail.com.