Carnival team appeal for help to secure future of the event

FROME Carnival is appealing for sponsorship and volunteers to support this year’s carnival, that they have reported could be the last one, unless more funding is acquired.

This year’s carnival will be held on Saturday 23rd September but in a letter from the committee, they have said the event could be the last, due to soaring costs.

The letter said, “Most of you are probably not aware that the costs amount to over £10,000 per year, as we have to pay for things like barriers, road cones and signs, radio equipment, portable toilets, public liability insurance, medical cover, prize money, bands, hall and van hire.

“The carnival is unique amongst Somerset’s carnivals in that it is the only one which is a registered charity. As well as being a wonderful spectacle for the whole community, the event also raises thousands of pounds each year for the Carnival Charity.

“This money is then donated back into the local community to individuals, organisations and good causes. This really is Frome’s Carnival and Frome’s charity and it relies on the goodwill and support of the people and businesses in the town.”

For this year’s event, the committee have said they are struggling to raise £14,000 to host the traditional, annual processions and are appealing to local businesses and people to help.

Committee volunteer Mandy Morgan said, “With the running costs soaring higher and higher, despite regular fundraising events, we are struggling to raise the funds needed (£14,000 plus).”

Sharing ways in which business can help keep the carnival alive, Mandy said, “In return for sponsoring Frome Carnival for £100, we are able to offer you the following to get your business noticed: A colour advert in our carnival programme. An opportunity to put a decorated vehicle in our September procession. You can decorate with any business logo (there is a prize for the best decorated trade vehicle). You can also hand out flyers and promotional material, plus it really is great fun. And we will advertise your generous support on all our social media pages.

“Could you help us in another way? We are always open to and very grateful for any ideas and volunteers.”

Volunteer roles include charity collectors or marshalling or stewarding.

At the end of the letter, the committee thanked the community for their support but reiterated the importance of their help, “Finally, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your support and understanding, if the town wants their carnival to continue then we need the town’s help. It would be such a shame for this longstanding tradition and much-loved annual event to end.”

For more information or to help, email, info@fromecarnival.org.uk, or go to the Frome Street Carnival Facebook Page, or by calling Mandy on 0791 3057968.