Failsworth Lancashire had a 'carnival' on August 23rd 1924. It seems to have been a parade as described by "Guest, Eliza", rather than a funfair.
http://www.pixnet.co.uk/Oldham-hrg/miscellany/1924-failsworth-pole/1924-failsworth-pole-crowd2.html

I remember Oldham carnival as a parade in the 1960's.

So a usage of the world more like the European religious processions.