WELLINGTON Carnival will fold if more volunteers do not come forward to help run the annual event.

Carnival secretary Louise Brierley says the Carnival Street Fair, which raises funds to stage the carnival, will go ahead.

But she said: “If we do not get any willing volunteers come forward to assist with the Carnival, then sadly we will not be able to run the show.

“There is a lot of positive feedback for what we do, both within our town, and further afield. We have excellent support from the majority of local businesses and our town council, and we also have interest further afield from Cullompton, West Buckland and Tiverton, to name a few, with our Christmas float.

“Wellington Carnival Committee has so much potential but like all organisations it needs the volunteers. We have also forged excellent relationships with neighbouring towns who host the ‘bigger carnivals’ such as Bridgwater and Glastonbury – this provides a never ending potential for making improvements to our smaller, but equally important, event.

“If there are any individuals, groups or businesses who would like to hear about what we do and who are willing to step forward and lend a hand, we would love to hear from you.”

Meanwhile, organisers of Wellington Carnival will be handing out thousands of pounds to good causes and appealing for new volunteers at Wellington Football Club Sunday, February 17, starting at 2pm (refreshments will be available).

The event will feature a short presentation about what is involved in putting on carnival and an appeal for volunteers to ensure its future. Donations of more than £3,500 will then be made to local groups, schools and charities.

Carnival chairman Dave Rylatt said: “While we are proud of what we have achieved acting as custodians for this fantastic event for the past six years, it is apparent that the event needs to move forward with fresh leadership and fresh ideas.

“The dynamics of organising large public events are also changing, and we are desperately in need of help to take our event forward, and to preserve this unique Somerset event for the town of Wellington.

“Our carnival is also a truly international event, as we have forged excellent twinning relationships in France and Portugal where exchange trips and participation in carnival is reciprocated. A small but loyal band of volunteers wants to continue supporting any new volunteers but it is essential we have new leadership and additional support in order to deliver a safe, profitable event that is also fun to run.

“There is something for everyone to get involved in within carnival, including fundraising, marketing and promoting, marshalling, committee roles, collecting, toy selling, catering and float building and design.

“The list is endless, if you would like carnival to continue in the town, then you really must volunteer, Wellington Carnival Committee needs you!”

The committee decided earlier this month to continue to organise the Carnival Street Fair on Sunday, June 2, to ensure adequate funds are available to secure the carnival in September, with the hope the appeal for volunteers next month is a success.

Stall reservations and enquiries are coming in daily for this popular event which has grown enormously over the past four years.

For more information or questions contact Wellington Carnival committee at [email protected]