Following our West Wight Carnival bus disruption alert from Southern Vectis we have some further news about the carnival.
Charlotte Snook from the organising committee has been in touch to say that, sadly, the West Wight Summer Carnival which was due to take place this weekend (16th July) has had to be cancelled due to lack of support and too many clashes with other events.
Charlotte told us that the the carnival was originally set for Sunday 24th July, but was moved due to insurance and clashing with the popular Rhythm Tree Festival.
Now they’ve discovered that there’ll be no marching bands available on Saturday and the event would clash with the Brighstone Show, Rookley Show, Motoring Show at Havensteet, Picnic in the Park and Legends in the Park!
Massive blow for all in involved
This is a massive blow for all, as anyone involved in carnivals will know what a great deal of planning goes into each carnival, with volunteers giving up their free time.
As you can imagine, each carnival starts being planned the day after previous one with masses of legal requirements needing to be covered e.g. Risk assessments, Road Closures, Public Liability Insurance, PRS Licence and so the list continues.
Sincere apologies are sent out to all those who planning to join the parade, especially Weston Community Primary School, The Children’s Society & NCT group and the parents of Yarmouth Primary who apparently were the only ones to confirm that they would take part.
Carnivals rely heavily on donations
Charlotte told us, “Unfortunately many people still have the impression that carnivals are either heavily funded or in fact free to run, however this is far from the truth with prices increasing each year.
“We rely on the generous donations from the local parish councils (this year with so many cuts being made to local amenities, we felt it churlish to ask for funds for one day event & therefore didn’t apply for help) and audiences watching the parade, sadly though the tradition of throwing coppers into the collection buckets was great during the 1960’s as 2p paid for a loaf of bread, but now we would need 2000 people throwing a 2p just to buy a queens dress!”
The list of costs doesn’t end there, Charlotte continued, “Insurance is £400 and upwards, a marching band £120 – £400 each, road sign hire £40. Then there’s the hire of CB Radios, the cost of cups and trophies and this is before we even begin to put together a float for the community or queens.”
Desperate for volunteers
As is all that wasn’t enough to contend with, Charlotte told us that all carnivals on the Island are facing a lack of volunteers.
Road marshalls, float decorators, people to organise parties and judging for queens, fundraising, advertising, and most important of all people to dress up in costume and join in the parade are all voluntary roles.
“Some people feel free to criticise the quality of the parade and how many entrants and bands it may have, and forget the hard work put in by others who organise these events. They don’t seem to realise that no matter how well they are run, it is the participation of people in costume in the parade that really makes it and that those who are organising can only hold the event we can’t make people take part.” said Charlotte.
Help out with late summer parade
Charlotte said that the chance of a late summer parade may still be possible, but would need major fundraising and voluntary support.
If you want to see your local carnival continue and feel you can help in any way please get in touch with us here at VB and we’ll pass on your details.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Jason Kay
