NEW licensing laws could spell the end of some of the South's summer attractions.

Organisers of the Stockbridge Carnival, now in its 25th year, say it could disappear in 2006 because of the high cost of licensing it.

Honor Burnett, one of the organisers of the Stockbridge Carnival, said the licences would be required because of the musical element within the carnival.

"This is a big worry. This may be the last carnival in Stockbridge purely because of this licence. A lot of work goes into the carnival and we've raised thousands of pounds in the past for local groups."

Mrs Burnett said this year's event would go ahead but 2006's was under threat. Despite asking Test Valley Borough Council's licensing department, she could find out no hard facts about the costs.

"If anyone could give us an exact figure that would help. The word is that it could cost thousands just to cover the music. We are only a small town. We have not got the funds to cover the costs," she said.

The new legislation comes into effect in November and could effect this year's winter carnival in Romsey.

Chairman of the Romsey Carnival Committee, Ian Richards, said: "It's another obstacle. Sometimes legislation is designed to catch all and unfortunately, we've been caught. There are horrendous bills what with insurance, hire of premises and other licences - it's just another load."

"Hopefully, with the town's support, we can absorb the costs and still run a carnival. We are determined to continue the tradition despite the obstacles."

Mr Richards said that as the rules stood, the committee would have to pay for a Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) because of the bands that perform during the processions at the events.

The first to be hit, he said, was the winter carnival, which features the "switch-on" of the Christmas lights this November.

Michael White, licensing manager at Test Valley Borough Council, said: "I understand their concerns but we are merely working with a piece of government legislation."

He said he needed more information from carnival organisers before he could quote the cost. "We need to be made fully aware of the nature of the event and what's going to be provided. The rules are all new. We are starting from scratch and we have to decide about exactly what needs a licence."

He said that, under the new act, carnival organisers would have to apply for a licence of around £100 if there was going to be a procession which involved bands. They would also have to pay to advertise the fact they would be applying for the licence.

In the past, if an entertainment licence had been needed, the fee could have been waived. "But in future we won't be able to do that."

"We don't want to see people penalised" he added.

Coffee and treats will be served at Stockbridge Town hall on Sunday, April 17th, between 11am and 4pm to boost the carnival's funds and the money that will go to charity. "We hope as many people as possible will come," said Mrs Burnett.