ORGANISERS say a 'local legend' will lead the procession as a carnival returns to Leigh town centre following a 10-year hiatus.

Large-scale carnivals were held in the town in the 1970s and 80s and the concept of a community celebration event was briefly revived a decade ago.

Reintroduced again for a new generation by a committee of volunteer organisers, the Leigh Carnival of Colour will take place from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, June 4.

They are keeping the identity of the special guest close to their chest but have revealed that budding hometown singer-songwriter star Zoe Unsworth will perform at the fun-filled event for all the family on Sunday, June 4.

The former Bedford High School pupil has already released two singles at the age of 18.

The free event at the town centre car park on Bengal Street, next to Leigh Town Hall and the Turnpike Centre, will also include live band music and performances from dancers and gymnasts.

Post-procession entertainment will incorporate a funfair, climbing wall, face painting, a craft fair, food stalls, a Bom Ta Bom drumming workshop and children's entertainment, including jugglers, appearances from Disney princesses and a Punch and Judy show.

Leigh Centurions mascot Parky Pig will also be in attendance and there will be a parade of large vehicles to enjoy.

Carnival secretary Cath Quigley said: “One of our committee members put a message on Facebook to see if people were interested in getting the carnival restarted and we got a lot of responses.

"We thought ‘you know what, we are going to do this’ and now we are very excited that our town will be alive with the Leigh Carnival of Colour.

“It is going to be a fabulous day.

“We have the old and the new in the carnival with a local legend leading the procession and our largest vehicle is one of the newest things in Leigh.

“All will be revealed on the day.

“We are inviting the whole town to join us for some great entertainment.

“It is the Leigh Carnival of Colour so we hope everyone is brightly dressed for it.”

The ringing of the St Mary the Virgin Parish Church bells will signal the start of the procession through the town centre at 11am.