Christchurch Carnival organisers need your help (From Thisisdorset)

Christchurch Carnival organisers need your help

1:00pm Sunday 12th February 2012 in News By Katie Clark

Fun and games at last year’s carnival

ORGANISERS of Christchurch Carnival are urgently appealing for volunteers and financial help with this year’s festivities.

Despite the popular parade still months away, plans are beginning to take shape for this summer’s extravaganza, to be held on August 18 and 19.

At an AGM of the committee on Tuesday evening, re-elected chairman Adrian Morris urged people to come forward to help out with this year’s event.

Despite a few last minute hitches in 2011, the carnival attracted thousands of people to the town centre, with the weather staying fine for the occasion.

This year, with the theme Super Heroes and Villains, organisers are hoping the carnival spirit of the Olympics and Jubilee will galvanise more members of the community to come forward and help.

Mr Morris said: “We would not be able to make Christchurch Carnival happen without our sponsors and volunteers – we’re so grateful for all of their continued support and assistance. But we do need more help on the committee and also on the day.

Treasurer Jonathan Small said: “The fact that we are able to give away £950 – £500 to local charities and £450 to the Scouts for all their help and efforts – is brilliant.

“We have managed to cut down on the costs for the carnival to around half of what it was a few years ago but I don’t think we can do any more without damaging the quality. What we would really like to do is bring more businesses from the town on board as well as more volunteers.”

Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Spittle, who is also president of the carnival committee, said: “All the effort of the carnival committee makes this event one Christchurch can be proud of.

“It would be wonderful if more people could help out.

“This is the premium event in Christchurch and the efforts of everyone involved are commendable. Everyone in Christchurch wants it to continue and I am sure people will come forward.

“We just have to keep on asking.

She said to the committee: “Please do not give up. Everyone is so grateful. It is always down to the last few and we all really appreciate it.”

The committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at the British Legion in Bargates. For more information contact Adrian Morris on 487671.