With regret

WE have experience of the event ranging from 10 to 35 years and, over the past few years, we've seen interest in Worcester's carnival procession decline dramatically, despite our best endeavours to keep the event alive.

It's, therefore with much sadness and regret, that we must announce that there will be no carnival procession in the city this year.

On Monday, March 5, our secretary posted 32 float forms. Since then, the Evening News has promoted our cause and made appeals to the people of Worcester to play a part in what has been the city's only free entertainment. Our secretary has received three replies. Appeals in the paper prompted a further four.

May's the time when we must finalise various plans, including road closure notices, organising the police presence, hiring of marquees, booking bands and entertainers, hiring such things as portable toilet facilities and radios, the cost of which amounts to somewhere in the region of £2,500.

As a committee, we must be confident we can recoup at least that amount, mainly through the street collection and donations on the day. Since we receive no financial backing from outside sources, any shortfall would have to be paid for by us as private individuals.

Therefore, we feel we've been forced to make the decision not to go ahead with these arrangements, in view of the apparent apathy and lack of interest in the procession.

We would hate to see the carnival die completely. So, for this reason, we'll continue with the Carnival Queen selection and the organisation of events throughout carnival week. These continue to be very successful and well-supported. We're also leaving the door open for a traditional carnival procession to take place in 2002, should sufficient interest be shown at an early stage.

We're mindful that those organisations which have shown an interest in this year's procession will be disappointed, and would like to express our thanks to all those people who've supported Worcester Carnival over the past 37 years.