Fairies and mystical creatures are set to transform Deighton into an enchanted wonderland in time for this year’s carnival.

Now in its 12th year – and tipped to attract around 5,000 visitors – the organisers are planning even more events to get people actively involved in their community.

Ahead of the big carnival day on Saturday June 29, The Examiner caught up with the carnival’s very own fairy godmother, Carol Ward.

Carol of Whitaker Close, Deighton has the task of creating colourful costumes for children to wear in the procession.

Carol, 71, said: “I’ve been involved with the carnival from day one. It’s a fantastic event. People can come and enjoy the music and atmosphere and relax.

“It has grown in popularity and that sets the standard even higher as we are always looking to make each carnival better.

“This year we are using colours of the rainbow under the theme Enchanted Deighton so the costumes are fairies and other creatures.

“A lot of young people have grown up with the carnival including Rebecca Beal, 13, who will be Queen of The Fairies (our equivalent) carnival queen.

“I make all the costumes and buy the material from the market and if they don’t have what I want they get it in for me.

“I have also got a rainbow costume which I wore to Huddersfield Carnival many years ago and my granddaughter Marsha Simpson, 13, is going to wear that.

“Carnival is just a fantastic day. I start in March and once we have a theme that’s when the ideas for costumes start flowing.

“It is always a fun thing to do. I don’t have sleepless nights about it because if I can’t sleep I come down and do more sewing on my machine.”

The carnival started with support of the Deighton and Brackenhall initiative when volunteer organisers Howard Belafonte and Carol Ward stepped forward and have since become the driving force behind the event.

See this year’s programme below or for more information call Howard Belafonte on 01484 234234 or 551521 or 07872049413.