Shifnal Carnival under threat as volunteer plea fails
A carnival which has taken place for more than 40 years looks set to fold after appeals for volunteers to help run the event fell on deaf ears.
Organisers of Shifnal Carnival have said this year's event on June 29 will almost certainly be the last after no-one responded to a plea for 15 people to step forward.
Angela Mullet, carnival chairman and treasurer, said it had now reached a stage where there were not enough people to organise the event and that she was "admitting defeat" in her battle to keep the carnival running.
Supporters have launched a Let's Save Shifnal Carnival Facebook group which has already attracted almost 100 members.
The event has traditionally taken place on the last weekend in June each year.
Mrs Mullet, who made her appeal for fresh blood to keep the carnival going earlier this year, said: "I am now in the position where I have to admit to defeat and announce that I am unable to save the carnival beyond this year.
"It just is not possible to carry on with so few people willing to give their time to help the few committee members that remain.
"The annual carnival is planned by five committee members.
"Because there are so few of us, we rely very heavily on the commitment of many willing volunteers who help before, during and after carnival day; without them it would be impossible to have a carnival."
The carnival had also been in danger of folding in 2008 after five members of the committee dropped out. The event was only saved after an emergency meeting was called by residents and found more people to help organise the festival.
And in 2011 only three floats entered the parade, prompting further fears for the event's future. But the event went ahead after appeals by the carnival committee for organisations and individuals to support it. The community rallied around and 11 floats and three marching bands took part, attracting between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators.
The carnival's Facebook page has also received some enquiries about what volunteering would involve, including some from people who live outside Shifnal but don't want to see the event end.
