A CAMPAIGN to revive Crewe Carnival is gathering momentum with a public meeting planned to recruit volunteers being hosted later this week.

Organiser Darren O'Connor is also due to address Crewe Town Council's marketing and events committee tomorrow night (Monday) to drum up more support as he targets the summer of 2023 as a potential return for the carnival.

The local businessman has already reached out to the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry as he seeks to bring on board potential sponsors.

He has linked up with Stuart Boughy, who has been running a Facebook page called Bring Back Crewe Carnival, while also gaining support from Crewe Town Mayor Cllr Tom Dunlop.

Now he wants people to attend St. Barnabas Church Hall on West Street next Saturday (March 26) to get involved, particularly if they have had previous experience with carnival or event planning.

Those who just want to pop in and share their memories of past Crewe Carnivals are also welcome.

But Darren hopes too that committed volunteers will come forward to establish a working committee.

He explained: "We're doing it [public meeting] over four hours so people can choose when to come. We'll have leaflets and we'll be answering questions as well as sharing memories of the carnival.

"The aim is to create a committee and start building a network of support. Without getting people on board it is not going to work.

"I have spoken to Angela Wilkinson at the Chamber and she wants to get involved while Tom Dunlop has asked us to do a presentation at the council meeting on March 14."

Talks have also been held with Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan and there are also plans to contact Bentley Motors and Peter Waterman to see if they could offer expertise and resources.

"We've got a lot of ideas to band about, including making sure it is a multi-cultural event and also trying to make it a 50 per cent green event," added Darren, who was a regular attender with his family in his youth.

"We've approached UTC Crewe about designing a float that is electric or pedal power.

"I've put together together a plan for funding and sponsorship and Queens Park is still the best place to hold it."

While Crewe Carnival was traditionally held on August Bank Holiday, the suggestion has been made to bring the date forward, possibly to July 4, which the town council has celebrated as Crewe Day to mark the date of the opening of Crewe Railway Station by the Grand Junction Railway company in 1837.

Crewe Carnival was hugely popular in its heyday with thousands turning out to watch the procession of floats, dancing troupes and marching bands make their way around town before heading for Queens Park for a gala of entertainment.

• The meeting at St.Barnabas Hall (small hall) runs from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday (March 26).