BIRMINGHAM’S flagship Caribbean carnival could be set to return to its spiritual home in Handsworth after an absence of 17 years.

The calypso beat of the carnival maybe ringing out from Handsworth Park in the summer if the switch is approved by the police and other authorities.

It was last held in the Park in 1994 and after a brief period as a street festival, moved to the larger Perry Park in Great Barr where is has been staged every two years since 1999. The highlight of the day is always a Mardi Gras-style procession, featuring floats, steel bands and dancers.

Cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture Martin Mullaney is keen to see the festival return to the park and believes it could be a real boost for the inner city area.

He also believes that the Park, which re-opened in 2006 following a £9.5 million overhaul, which included restoring the bandstand, is ready to host the event again.