A FUNDRAISING page has been launched to help meet the costs needed to keep Wem Carnival going for another year.
Organisers of the hugely-popular event have started the proceedings to ease coasts for 2024’s event by launching a GoFundMe page with a target of just £1,000 which is almost hallway.
The event's organisers took to social media to explain why the fundraising page was launched and called for residents and visitors to the carnival to back it.
They said: “The dust has settled from another successful carnival this year, and the coins have been counted; sadly, all is not well.
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“This year our running costs for the day were just under £14,000 and yet our bucket and tin collections were down considerably at below £3,000.
“Over the last 10-15 years the cost of most of our suppliers has more than doubled, and yet the collections on the day have more than halved from a regular taking of around £8,000 15 years ago, to less than £3,000 this year.
“With some other income streams, grant funding and all-year-round fundraising events, we may just keep our heads above water, but this is not sustainable in the long run.
“The carnival committee are determined to up our fundraising efforts in 2024 and will look at cost savings wherever possible, while still trying to put on an amazing, free event for the town – we really want this to work.”
The GoFundMe page is at www.gofundme.com/f/help-keep-wem-carnival-going
The spokesman also added other ways in which people can continue to support the carnival, including encouraging fresh blood onto the event’s committee.
They added that there will be a series of fundraising events through the year, such as raffles, bingo nights, duck races, among others and will be advertised on social media.
Carnival committee members also called for help in keep on-the-day costs down for items such as marquees, PA systems and entertainment, as well as storage space, traffic cones and trophies for the day.
“Thanks to everyone who already supports us, it really means a lot,” the spokesman added.
“We don't want to forget the fact that so much time, generosity and goodwill is already given up to help us keep going, we just unfortunately need more of this!
“Please message us on Facebook, or email info@wemcarnival.co.uk if you have any time, ideas, or can support us in any way – thanks all.”
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