Can you help save carnival?

8:30am Monday 12th January 2009

ONE of Bolton’s last remaining traditional carnivals is set for the axe — unless organisers can attract more volunteers.

Organisers of Horwich Carnival are struggling to stage a planned calendar of events over the weekend of June 20 and 21 and are appealing for people to come forward and lend a hand.

They are particularly appealing to young people who may be able to help with physical aspects on the day, as most members of the committee are pensioners.

Horwich Carnival is one of the few surviving in the borough and organisers want to get new faces with fresh ideas on board.

Westhoughton Carnival has already been axed because of a lack of support from local residents.

Blackrod also used to have a carnival but that has been dropped. For the last two years a scarecrow festival has been held in the village instead.

Ken Denton, chairman of the Horwich Carnival committee, said: “We desperately need more volunteers to come forward, especially young people as a lot of the people on the committee are getting on a bit.

“This event is very important to the town, it is part of its identity and is one of the few remaining in the area.

“Costs are continuing to rise and anyone who could help us with fundraising or sponsorship would also be greatly appreciated.

“Every year it is a fantastic event, and the town is buzzing as the races are held on the same weekend, and we want to make sure it is just as good this year.

“It takes a great deal of planning, preparation and time to stage the carnival weekend and a balanced mix of representation from across the community is vital to its success.”

Horwich Carnival has enjoyed a revival in recent years despite frequent unkind weather.

In addition to committee members, helpers for the weekend are needed.

Could you help on the carnival field for a few hours? Or help with fundraising or the charity collection tins over the weekend?

Contact Mr Denton on 01204 691723.