Barnstaple Carnival will go ahead

BARNSTAPLE carnival will go ahead this year, it has been confirmed. Following an emergency committee meeting on Thursday night, it was agreed that the annual procession will take place on Saturday, September 18. The decision was taken by committee members

BARNSTAPLE carnival will go ahead this year, it has been confirmed.

Following an emergency committee meeting on Thursday night, it was agreed that the annual procession will take place on Saturday, September 18.

The decision was taken by committee members in light of the support and financial backing it had received from various businesses, and a one-off �2,000 grant from Barnstaple Town Council.

The Gazette revealed last month that the traditional charity fund-raising event was in danger of being cancelled due to a �3,500 shortfall in the organising budget.

"The carnival will go ahead albeit in a slightly limited capacity," said chairman Arthur Windsor.

"The fireworks display on the night will probably be smaller and we are looking at moving the entertainment from Castle Green to the Square and the Strand.

"We've been given some good support in recent weeks, but what we really need now is for the people of Barnstaple to get behind us and help make it the best carnival yet.

"We still need lots of help on the day to make this happen and are calling on people to offer to volunteer as stewards and marshals and get as many collection tins circulating among the crowd as possible."

Anyone who thinks they can help out is asked to telephone Mr Windsor on (01271) 328272 or email [email protected]