THE future of the longest-running carnival on the south coast is in jeopardy.

Organisers are battling to secure the future of 120-year-old Titchfield Carnival, which attracts up to 35,000 spectators each year and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local groups and societies.

It costs £20,000 to put the event on, but the blues and folk at the abbey concerts which help fund it only made about £4,000 this year because of poor ticket sales and bad weather.

The Titchfield Bonfire Boys Society, which puts on the carnival, is also struggling with escalating costs, and a lack of volunteers and help from local businesses for the event, which always takes place on the first Monday of the October half-term holiday.

Committee member Phillip Wills said: "The situation is quite dire.

"We may just struggle through this year, but without more help I just can't see next year's carnival happening.

"There is a fantastic tradition behind it and it would be a terrible shame to lose it. I, for one, couldn't bear to see it go.

"It would be such a waste and a great shame if it was to finish due to the fact that local businesses won't help with sponsorship and the people that attend it every year rely on everybody else to donate or help with the running of it.

"We are always looking for new helpers as we couldn't do it without them."

Last year's carnival included a huge number of floats through the village in both the afternoon and evening processions, led by carnival royalty.

There was the best decorated house contest, fire-eaters, a funfair and a firework spectacular.

It raised more than £15,000 for groups including Titchfield Primary School, Titchfield Community Centre, The Parish Rooms, Rowans Hospice, the First Responders, the RSPCA, St John Ambulance, the Mayor of Fareham's charities and Bursledon Brickworks, as well as bands, nurseries and playgroups, Scout and Guide groups.

All villagers over the age of 70 are treated to a free Christmas hamper from the proceeds and a Christmas party and trips to a pantomime are laid on for youngsters each year.

Organisers are urging local businesses to donate to the cause and are appealing for volunteers both to join the committee and to help in the weeks running up to the event or on the day.

Ring 07799 858851 or go along to one of the committee meetings held at 8pm on the second Monday of each month at the Queen's Head pub in South Street, Titchfield.