Organisers of Wem’s Carnival have revealed this year’s event has made a loss, and have called on town residents to do their bit to raise extra money for next year.
Members of Wem Carnival Committee are still counting the cash from this year’s event, but have already found their collections are around £400 down from last year’s calculations.
The figures have been blamed on the wet weather that hit the area in the days leading up to last Saturday’s carnival.
The event needs around £13,000 to run each year and committee members have appealed for people to join their group so they can help with the extra fundraising needed to meet costs for next year.
Louise Green, committee member, said: “We are still getting the final figures but we are expecting to make a loss.
“We will have to fundraise very hard over the next year. Everything seems to be down on last year’s figures.
“It probably is because of the weather.
“It costs an awful lot to put on the carnival, probably about £13,000. We will have to do some serious fundraising.
“We have just about covered all the costs for this year’s carnival but we will be running at a loss.
“We are always looking for new people to join the committee and the AGM will be in October,” she added.
Clive Shingler, committee chairman, said the carnival gets a grant from the town council for the event each year but confirmed the loss in takings.
“The collection tins are £400 down on last year,” he said.
John Murray said: “Things these days are so expensive to put on.
“The carnival spirit really lifted Wem it is an important event for the town.
“At the end of the day I am sure the people of Wem will rally around.”
To join the committee call Sue Holliday on 01939 232547.
• Carnival round-up and pictures on page 4 of the North Shropshire Chronicle, on sale now.
