Trowbridge Carnival organisers plead for volunteers

Organisers have agreed that the committee will disband and cancel this year's events if they cannot find help

The future of a town's "beloved" carnival hangs in the balance, as they face a shortage of people to run it.

Andy Baker has served on the Trowbridge Carnival committee for the past six years, and says the event is on the brink of "collapse".

He is now asking the community for help to ensure this year's carnival goes ahead - on its 120th anniversary.

"It would be a massive hole in the events of the year, nothing will be able to replace it," Mr Baker said.

The annual Trowbridge Carnival procession, held in October, attracts thousands of spectators to watch as large floats pass through the streets.

Taking to Facebook, the event organisers pleaded with the community to pitch in however they could.

A further ten volunteers are needed to help organise the carnival

"We are at a pivotal moment for our beloved Trowbridge Carnival," the post reads.

"The success and continuity of this cherished tradition depends on the active involvement of our community members.

"Together, we can preserve the spirit of Trowbridge Carnival and create lasting memories for generations to come."

Following the decision of Trowbridge Carnival committee chair, Maryrose Mantle, to step down at their annual meeting on 10 January, organisers have struggled to see a way forward.

"If we don't get some more committee members, it will unfortunately collapse, because it's just not sustainable with the amount of people we've got," Mr Baker added.

The procession sets off from Canal Road, heads through the town centre, and ends at Cradle Bridge

The event costs in the region of £8,000 per year to put on, but Mr Baker says finding the money is not the only challenge.

Volunteers are also needed for chatting to the public, organising small events, pitching fundraising ideas, and liaising with carnival vendors.

"If we don't do something this year, even if it's a scaled-down carnival, we won't get the momentum for next year and we want to keep going," said Mr Baker.

"It wants to bring the spirit back into Trowbridge, and I think it would, if we can keep it going a few more years."

The carnival remains provisionally booked for October, but organisers cannot move forward with the existing six-strong committee.

A meeting will be held on 21 February to find out whether Trowbridge Carnival has received enough community support to survive.