THE FUTURE of Pershore’s annual carnival is uncertain after the chairman of the committee revealed his concern at a lack of support for next year’s event.
A rallying call has now gone out to local residents who want to ensure the town’s May Bank Holiday event remains a permanent fixture on Pershore’s calendar.
Carnival chairman Colin Shepherd made the plea after a number of committee members gave their apologies for being absent at the committee’s recent AGM.
“We have also suffered some resignations due to work commitments. Also, at the AGM, the only attendees were those receiving donations from funds raised at the 2019 carnival,” he said.
“I am pleased to we did have had two new committee members come on board – a secretary and a risk assessment officer but we need more support from the local community.”
A carnival has been held in the town every year since 1968, although some claim such events began in Pershore during Victorian times.
Should the rallying call prove successful, the event will celebrate its 52nd year in 2020 and Mr Shepherd said he hoped the people of Pershore would come to the carnival’s aid.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to ask the people of Pershore, do you want a carnival next year?” he said.
“Unlike other events in the town, we give monies raised to a number of different organisations, and get very little, if any help from the town, district or county councils. It is all done by volunteers and a handful of regular helpers.
“I am extremely proud of the achievements of the 2019 carnival, which raised enough money to donate more than £3,000 in addition to the £1,400 which was raised from the bucket collection for the War Horse Project.
“So, on behalf of Pershore Carnival 2019, thank you for your support and I hope that with your help, we are able to offer a carnival to the town in 2020.”
The carnival committee is made up of around a dozen volunteers who meet once a month throughout the year to discuss and plan the carnival and the other fund-raising events such as the ever popular Duck Race.
Numerous local causes have benefited from funds raised during the carnival over the years and this year’s event saw cheques presented to various local causes.
Anyone who would like to know more can call Colin Shepherd on 01386 553585 for more information.
