ONE of Wellington Carnival’s organisers is urging townsfolk to support the event as entries open for this year’s carnival.

Chairman David Rylatt said if people did not support carnival, they would lose it and if that happened it would be lost for good.

Mr Rylatt said: “Wellington Carnival is probably the biggest event in our town each year – while it is modest in comparison with the larger Bridgwater circuit, we are still proud to keep our town involved with this unique Somerset experience.

“All surplus money collected each year is distributed to local groups and charities, but the traditional collection and crowds turning up to watch carnival seem to be dwindling year by year.

“We need to get across a simple message – support your town’s carnival or you will lose it – it’s your choice.

“We are experiencing more and more scrutiny from the local authorities and although the event is entirely run by volunteers it has to be run in a professional way.

“If we ever lose our carnival, we will never get it back.”

Entries are now being accepted for this year’s carnival which is on September 29, starting at 7.30pm from the Rockwell Green end of town.

Entry is free – trade entries excepted – and to save postage Wellington has joined forces with other federation towns to roll out an online booking form.

Search ‘South Somerset Federation of Carnivals entry form 2018’ which goes to the relevant link.

Anyone without access to a computer can phone Sam on 01823 662198 and she will take instructions over the phone and upload the information.

Entrants have the option to enter just Wellington Carnival or all four of the South Somerset Federation towns – Wellington, Taunton, Chard and Ilminster.

The simple questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete and entrants will receive an automated email confirming their entry.