THIS year could be the end of town carnival as a meeting has been called to discuss next years event.

The extension of Covid-19 restrictions has meant that festivities to mark the 100th anniversary of Hedge End carnival were not able to go ahead.

The carnival has been taking place every first Saturday in July since 1921 and is organised by a small group of people who meet once a month at the Village Hall with all funds raised by the Carnival and its associated events distributed amongst good causes operating in the area.

Since then, the chairman, along with most of the other members of the carnival committee have stood down, leading just three or four people to organise the events.

They say this is nowhere near enough to consider trying to organise an event in 2022 and subsequently, the event has been cancelled.

Now though, an "EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting)" has been called to discuss the event and is open to anyone with an interest in holding a carnival in 2022.

Taking place at the village hall on Bursledon Road on September 16, the meeting is being described as possibly "the end" for the event, or "a new beginning".

Funds are available for distribution to local charities, community groups, and other non-profit organisations with the Hedge End Carnival committee only allowing donations to organisations based in Hedge End.

A spokesperson for the committee said on Facebook: "If your organisation qualifies and would like to receive funds from the Hedge End Carnival Committee, you MUST complete the form on the Carnival website and submit it by the deadline stated there.

"This could be the end for Hedge End Carnival or a brand new beginning, which of these it is lies in your hands."

If people cannot attend the meeting or would like to find out more about what is involved they are being asked to contact the chairman.