TODAY is D-Day for one of the biggest summer shows in the New Forest.

Totton's two-day carnival will fold unless a large number of new volunteers step forward at a make-or-break meeting in the town tonight.

The popular event is facing a crisis because two-thirds of the organising committee have decided to step down.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the long-established carnival will not take place next year if pleas for fresh volunteers fall on deaf ears.

The future of the event will be decided at tonight's annual meeting, when eight of the 13 committee members are due to resign.

Chairman James Shadick said: "Quite a few have been on the committee for three years and have decided to stand down because they feel they've done their bit.

"The carnival is probably the biggest thing that happens in Totton each year and a lot of people will miss it if it folds."

The two joint secretaries, Jenny Bundy and Pat Knight, are among those who have decided to leave the committee.

Mrs Bundy said: "Most of us have been there for three or four years and feel it's time we had a break, but without new members there won't be a committee for next year and the carnival won't happen.

"It's a really long-established event and I'd hate to see it fold."

The carnival comprises a procession through the town centre followed by a fun-filled summer show at Eling Recreation Ground the next day.

Mrs Bundy said this year's event on June 26 and 27 attracted a large crowd, despite the bad weather, and raised £4,500 for charity.

She added: "A lot of people benefit, both from the fun generated by the carnival and the money it raises."

Tonight's meeting will be held at Totton Working Men's Club, Rumbridge Street, at 7.30pm and is open to all.