PARTY poopers in Droitwich Spa have been urged not to spoil the town's carnival weekend.

Months of hard work have gone into preparing the three-day extravaganza, which will include a fun fair, a music road show and a water festival.

But, so far, carnival organisers say they are the only people making an effort - local residents just don't seem to want to know.

The once prestigious title of Carnival Queen has attracted just eight applicants, wannabe pop singers are steering well clear of a special Stars in Their Eyes competition, and the event is in desperate need of more floats and fancy dress contestants.

"We really want this carnival to be a huge success and are appealing to Droitwich residents to take more of an interest," said Gordon Hughes, chairman of the carnival association.

"There is so much going on. We know we've got the right model but we just need the numbers.

"It was hoped that we would have around 10,000 visitors to the carnival, and this is something which I can still envisage - people just need to realise what a great event it is going to be.

"Come on Droitwich, let's make this year's Carnival weekend one to remember - for all the right reasons."

The carnival, which takes place from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6, is the first in the town since 1996 when it collapsed because of a lack of organisers.

Its resurrection was proposed in August last year by the then mayor, Councillor Terry Spencer.

Since then, a newly-appointed Droitwich Spa Carnival Association has worked flat out to make it a memorable weekend.

The event will kick off in King George's Field with a concert and the opening of the funfair at around 4pm on Friday.

This will be followed, on Saturday, with a big market in Victoria Square in the morning and a carnival parade through the town in the afternoon. The procession will end in St George's Field, where there is set to be live entertainment including the Stars in Their Eyes contest.

Sunday will see dozens of barges, stalls and even the odd duck race at the Canal Trust's annual water festival at Vines Park.

Anyone who wants to take part in the event should call 01905 798747.