Fears for future of 30-year-old carnival
Last updated 12:36, Friday, 16 May 2008
WIGTON Carnival could die out because float numbers are dwindling due to health and safety rules and organisers are stepping down.
Since its birth 30 years ago carnival day has seen the town’s streets lined with residents and visitors cheering on floats, bands and dancers.
Householders join in the festivities by decorating their houses according to a theme and charities and groups get into the carnival mood too.
But despite an enthusiastic local response on the day, its future is uncertain, although this year’s event is due to go ahead.
Wigton resident Paul Radcliffe, along with Innovia employee Dennis Graham, are organising this year’s event.
Mr Radcliffe said: “It’s going to come to a point where something has got to give.
“We really need a lot more involvement. We also need young people to come forward with ideas about what they would like to see.
“It would really help Dennis and me. There’s only so much we can do because we both have full time jobs.
“It’s the old saying that ‘many hands make light work’.”
The carnival has had a patchy past, dying out in the 1990s then being resurrected in 2000.
“It’s an important tradition in the town. Everybody wants to see it, but we need some fresh impetus and ideas.
“We used to have around 30 floats. But in recent years it’s diminished – it could be down to health and safety and insurance. So far this year five floats have entered.
“Let’s not let the carnival die out again.”
Local groups reliably rally to raise the £4,000 it costs to stage the carnival each year.
Mr Radcliffe said: “There are a small group of people who help with fundraising – Shelia Harrison at the Stocksman, Raymond Clark at the Throstle and people like the Neighbourhood Forum.”
But volunteers with the time and inclination to organise are the pieces that are missing.
“This is for the community and we need the community to help,” added Mr Radcliffe.
If you are interested in helping out or entering a float, revitalise the Wigton Carnival for next year or would like to find out more about entering a float, call Dennis on 016973 44919.
This year’s event will be held on June 28.
