Kingston Carnival organisers are promising a bigger than ever street party this year to celebrate the event’s 15th anniversary.

But organisers Kingston Race and Equalities Council (KREC) are keeping quiet about the full surprise line-up until a week before the event.

The carnival is still not allowed a headline act after the 2014 show was cancelled at the last minute over safety concerns when authorities feared thousands would flood the town to see Special’s frontman Neville Staple perform.

But on September 4 the borough’s largest multicultural street parade will be back to host bands, dancers and street food stalls from around the world and the Kingston Guardian can reveal that Welsh folk band Calan will take time out from their American tour to perform.

Surrey Comet:

The five-piece have received rave reviews from critics for their live performances since the release of debut album Bling in 2008.

Calan will be one of three bands on the main Market Place stage.

The second stage will see performances from the likes of classical jazz band the Tony Heiberg Quintet and Brazilian samba reggae legends Tribo Band.

Banquet Records is helping organise the full lineup, which is expected to be announced on August 22.

KREC chief executive John Azah said: “We started in 2000 but since we had a cancellation this is technically our 15th anniversary.

“We are ambitious and want this to be the biggest carnival ever. But it will also be the safest.

"We are working with the council and police to ensure there will be no disruption.

“This year we are trying to work with people outside of the town centre to bring everyone into carnival.

“It is very exciting to have Calan as we wanted them last year but they could not fit us into their touring schedule.”

Last year carnival featured political hip hop poet Akala and socially-conscious folk star Beans on Toast performing under the banner of “music with a message”.

This year the street parade will draw inspiration from the Rio Olympics and the theme is ‘enabling communities and celebrating diversity’.

Surrey Comet:

Mr Azah has also announced there will be a focus on green issues.

He said: “We want to educate people about these importance of being green in a really fun environment.

"We are working with the Kingston Environment Centre who will set up in memorial gardens.

"My ambition in five years time is to have a third stage. But we are taking in year by year, each one better than the next.”

Kingston Carnival is still looking for volunteer stewards who will receive expenses and full training.

To get involved email carnival2016@kingstonrec.org.