Wantage residents and community groups are being urged to revive the town’s carnival after more than 20 years ago.

Town councillors would like to see the once-popular event brought back, saying it brings the community together and also attracts people into the town.

Wantage Town Council would be willing to put money towards a revived carnival but said it needed voluntary groups to step forward and organise it.

It has invited local people to come up with their own ideas and, if there is enough positive feedback, the event could end up back on the town's calendar.

Councillor Peter Kent said: “We would encourage voluntary groups to come forward. We find it works better that way.

“There are all sorts of things going on in the town, we couldn't possible organise them all.

“We would encourage and support it and be able to provide some funding for it.

“It's about the community spirit that we have spent years working on. I think that is paying off and a carnival would be a very good addition to that.”

The idea for the carnival revival was mooted at a recent town council meeting.

In the 1980s, floats used to set off from the Lord Nelson pub in Charlton Road and finish at the recreation ground in Manor Road, drawing in crowds of hundreds.

Many local businesses and voluntary organisations had floats, including the Women’s Institute, Royal British Legion, Scout and Guide groups and the Wantage Silver Band.

The procession used to take just over an hour.

Mayor Patrick O’ Leary said: “A carnival would be great for the town.”

Organisations and groups that could be involved include the town’s Rotary Club.

Rotary club member Stuart Roper said: “It would be great to revive the carnival and, if enough different groups got involved, I’m sure it would be possible.”

But Linda Hatter, chairman of Wantage Rejuvenated – which formed earlier this year to boost the town’s vibrancy – said it was not be something it could be involved with at the moment.

Ms Hatter, who owns Top Hatters Gift Boutique in Mill Street, said: “At the moment we are working on other events for the town including our antique fair and family day in September.”

Every year, thousands of people attend, or take part in, Wantage Summer Festival.

The 14th annual event was hailed a success when it was held at the end of June.

It has become one of the biggest dates in the town’s calendar and brings together a range of arts including music, painting, dance and photography.

Mr Kent added: “Like the festival, the carnival would be an event that everyone is working towards.”