'We need the public to get behind us'

Organisers say Hornsea Carnival is the largest free event in the region

Organisers of Hornsea Carnival have warned it will not go ahead this year unless they get more financial support from businesses and the public.

They are £11,000 short of their target to pay for the event.

The carnival, due to take place from 19-21 July, has been running since 1967.

Iain Poole, the event's chairman, said: "We need the public to get behind us."

He added: “We have to book acts on the premise that we will get sponsorship and we will get donations and we can raise the money. That is the hardest thing about putting on this event.”

Costs have also gone up, he said, citing licences, insurance and security.

Mr Poole said the event has been restructured and cut back where possible.

There will only be one marquee this year rather than two, he said.

Mr Poole said: “We need businesses to get behind us. We need that sponsorship. We need the public to get behind us if you want it to happen.”

Organiser Iain Poole says the carnival is the largest free event in the region

Last year, the event made a £6,000 loss due to the bad weather, as turn out was low and they did not make as much money from donations on the day.

Hornsea District Lions Club have contributed £2,000 this year.

Mel Watson, speaking on behalf of the club, said: “It is such a fantastic event. It's one of the best things in the town and needs all the support that anybody and everybody can give it.”

Mayor of Hornsea, Laura Embleton, said the carnival was one of the most important events the town holds.

She said: "An awful lot of our holidaymakers expect it to be on and they come specifically for the carnival weekend. To lose it would just be a travesty for the town.”

Since the carnival was first staged, it has only been cancelled during Covid in 2020/21 and a couple of times when Hall Garth Park was flooded.

For many, it signals the start of the summer holidays as it always happens on the third weekend of July.

Organisers insist they want to keep it as a free entry event for the local community.

Donations can be made through the Hornsea Carnival website.

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