THE future of the popular bi-annual Accrington Carnival looks uncertain after its long-term organisers pulled out of arranging the next one.

The Accrington Lions made the unexpected announcement in a statement earlier today, with carnival chair and former president Caz Moreton saying the community group would step down as organisers after 26 years.

MORE TOP STORIES:

"As we are a small group of volunteers, this has been by far the most stressful carnival to arrange, and has resulted in some Lions becoming ill, and one has even resigned," she said in a statement.

"Organising this event has a massive effect on our family life, interferes with work and childcare, and with other charitable activities we want to do.

"In the build up to the carnival we were working, and then going out to meetings several times a week that frequently lasted until 10.30pm or 11pm.

"Despite, over the last few carnivals, appealing to other organisations and individuals for support ... to lighten our workload, no assistance has been forthcoming.

"It is with some sadness we have to inform the community of Hyndburn that we ... will not be organising a carnival in 2017."

A carnival has been held in Accrington since 1926. The Lions have organised every one since 1989.

Around 8,000 people visited the most recent carnival, held on Saturday, June 13.

The bonanza included a traditional parade, as well as a Viking battle reenactment and parachute display.