Tiptree is reviving its carnival after a five-year break.

Organisers are breaking the tradition by looking for a king, a prince and a queen mother to sit alongside the carnival queen and princesses.

There has not been a carnival in Tiptree since 2005, but a new committee hopes it will become a regular fixture. The date has been set for Saturday, June 26.

Alex Berriman, a committee member, said: “We are a new committee starting from scratch.

“We really want to bring the community together, as we have noticed there is not really a community spirit in Tiptree.

“We want the older and younger people to come together for the carnival.”

About 1,000 people turned out for the last carnival, with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed activities.

Organisers warned at the time its future hung in the balance without more people coming forward to help. The first bit of business for this year’s event is the adoption of its carnival court, which will include a queen mother for the first time.

Miss Berriman, 24, said: “It might be we have people who did not get the chance first time round will come forward for a second chance.”

Potential queen mothers must be 22 or over by the date of the carnival, but there is no upper limit. Princes and princesses must be 11 to 15 and the king and queen between 16 and 21.

The court will be chosen at a selection dance tomorrow, at St Luke’s Church Extension, Church Road, Tiptree, starting at 7.30pm.

Entry is £1. Under 18s need to be with a parent or guardian.