The future of Titchfield Carnival is under threat

But its future is under threat unless more people step up to help organise it.

Spectators travel from across the south to enjoy Titchfield Carnival which last year saw crowds of up to 7,000.

But with a dwindling number of volunteers this October’s carnival could be the last.

Now the organising committee is appealing to those who enjoy the carnival to take a role just for a couple of hours on the day, even if they do not live in the area.

Mike Biddle, chairman of the committee, says it is the only way of securing the future of the historic event.

‘I’ve been involved with the carnival for 50 years now,’ said Mike.

‘I was in it at just three years old. It’s in my veins.

‘The situation we have is there just aren’t enough volunteers.

‘People kindly help out on the day but they spend the whole day doing one job and there is no one to relieve them of their post and they end up missing the carnival.

‘We need about 80 volunteers to make it work.

‘The carnival will go ahead this year but if we don’t get enough volunteers it will fold after that, and it will be such a shame.’

In years gone by the carnival was so successful there was a surplus of funding which went to good causes within the community.

Fareham MP Suella Fernandes has been working with the committee.

She said: ‘It’s an amazing jewel in the crown of the area. It’s been going for over 200 years and it would be a real shame if it were to fail for lack of volunteers.’

To find out more about volunteering call 07547 681585.