A carnival parade is set to return after a five-year gap.

Kelly Kay will be bringing back Sittingbourne’s carnival on August 25 next year.

The Fitness with Kelly Kay instructor is now appealing to businesses and groups to take part in the procession.

She said: “Sittingbourne is a large town and had one of the best carnivals so it’s great to bring it back to the town.

“But we need the local community to get involved to make it really great.

“If you have got a local group get in touch with us. The more groups we have who want to participate the more fun it is going to be.

“I hope everybody gets involved, that they will enjoy it and that the day will be really busy.”

The parade will cost around £5,000, says Kelly, who added that it needs the backing from the town.

The mum-of-three is planning to bring back the tradition of placing 2p coins on passing floats by arranging a change station where people can exchange cash for coins.

She has also had the Sittingbourne carnival court float, which in February needed “a complete overhaul” fully restored.

She said: “It was literally falling apart after years of being left in the weather. It had a broken roof, flat wheels, completely rusting, totally filthy and infested with a huge wasp nest.

“The time and effort that went into the painting, creating and putting together has stunningly paid off.”

To get involved with next year’s carnival, contact Kelly through the The Sittingbourne and District Carnival and Court Association Facebook page.

The carnival’s return comes after Pam Griggs, who had chaired the carnival for 15 years, stood down from the role in 2022.

The 80-year-old said: “I always have said that I did not want to be the last person who was able to put on the carnival and I was worried that would be the case.

“I’m glad Kelly has taken it over because people have told me they have really missed it.

“The carnival has always been for the town and has been put on by the people, for the people.”

Kelly brought back Sittingbournes carnival court after a three-year break back in February.

The former Miss Whitstable princess said: "My middle daughter Daisy is six.

“When one of her friends entered the Miss Teynham selection, Daisy said she wanted to have a go, too. But there was nothing in Sittingbourne.

"I thought it was a real shame there was no way young ladies could represent their town. So I decided to run it myself."

Since then members of carnival court have been getting involved with the community, such as teaming up with Age UK to put on a bingo event.

The court also took part in a celebration of Harrisons in Sittingbourne high street where they helped to raise over £20,000 for child bereavement charity, Holding on Letting Go.

Seven-year-old Junior Miss Sittingbourne, Daisy, said she was really excited for the carnival’s return.

She said: “I’m so excited for the carnival to be back.

“I love being Miss Sittingbourne Junior and taking part in all the events.

“It’s so fun.”

Historians can trace the first carnival back to 1893 when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. In 1952, when Elizabeth II took over from her father 70 years ago, Sittingbourne's carnival was still going strong.

That year it was held on the evening of Wednesday, July 9 and organised by the Sittingbourne British Legion and Ivy Leaf Memorial Club. Thousands lined the streets to watch the 90-minute parade.