The Preston-raised creator of Wallace and Gromit will be a guest star at this year’s Longton Carnival.

Organisers of the newly-revived Longton Carnival have announced that the event will be visited by film and TV royalty.

Nick Park, the Preston-raised, Oscar-winning creator of Wallace and Gromit, will make an appearance at the event, which runs from 12pm on Saturday, May 16.

Created by animator and director Nick Park, Wallace & Gromit made their debut in 1989’s A Grand Day Out which went on to win the Bafta award for Best Short Animated Film in 1990. | Local Library

placeholder image — Created by animator and director Nick Park, Wallace & Gromit made their debut in 1989’s A Grand Day Out which went on to win the Bafta award for Best Short Animated Film in 1990. | Local Library

Embracing the nostalgic theme of "Through the Years," the event aims to reignite local pride and keep the incredible "community buzz" alive following the success of the Longton Winter Wonderland.

Event details are being released in stages, but it is known that there will be a procession through Longton, a fairground, more than 40 food and craft stalls, a dog show, a flower show, entertainment, and a Carnival ‘Royal Family’.