ORGANISERS of this year's Totton and Eling Carnival have launched a fundraising appeal in a bid to prevent it from being axed.
Residents and businesses in the area are being urged to help cover the cost of staging the popular parade by donating to a JustGiving page.
Every year thousands of people line the streets to watch a colourful procession of floats make their way from Calmore Industrial Estate to the town centre.
But this year's carnival, due to take place on June 24, is in danger of being cancelled unless £1,000 can be raised by March 10.
Totton and Eling Carnival is in danger of being axed unless £1,000 can be raised by March 10 (Image: Newsquest.)
A three-year sponsorship deal with Totton College has come to an end.
Organisers are anxious to ensure they have enough money in the bank to cover the bills that have to be paid now, plus those that will need to be settled nearer the day.
READ MORE: Totton and Eling Carnival returns after two-year absence caused by the pandemic
Members of the committee include town councillor Dave Hills.
Posting on social media he said: "Totton and Eling Carnival brings enjoyment to the community and has been doing so since the first one took place in 1914. It also raises lots of cash every year for local good causes.
"However, the carnival costs many thousands of pounds to run.
"There are things to pay for such as insurance, first aid cover, licences, road closures, musicians, security guards, Portaloos, signs, barriers, radios - the list goes on and on."
Totton and Eling Carnival is in danger of being axed unless £1,000 can be raised by March 10 (Image: Newsquest.)
Cllr Hills added: "I realise that money is extremely tight this year but without donations and sponsorship the carnival simply wouldn't take place.
"If you can spare some money, even if it's only a couple of pounds, could you consider donating it?
READ MORE: Thousands sent to line the streets for Totton and Eling Carnival
"We're at the point now where we need to start paying for first aid, insurance, licences and all sort of other things that are essential to running a carnival.
"The cost of all of these things has risen substantially.
"If we don't have the money to cover the upfront running costs by March 10 we may have to postpone the event until next year."
Totton and Eling Carnival is in danger of being axed unless £1,000 can be raised by March 10 (Image: Newsquest.)
Totton councillor David Harrison added: "The carnival is always reliant on three things - a bit of funding, enthusiastic people who organise and participate, and good weather.
"I really hope people decide to make a donation. The carnival is one of those great things that help knit the community together."
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/totton-carnival-2023
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel