Sidmouth carnival to continue - but help is still needed

Sidmouth Carnival will survive another year, but organisers have said they are disappointed with the lack of behind-the-scenes support the event has received, writes Clarissa Place.

Fears were raised that the popular tradition would fold if more volunteers did not come forward before its annual general meeting on Tuesday.

Outgoing chairman Terry Clarke said the carnival is now in good hands after appointing a new chairman, secretary and treasurer, but he did voice his concerns over a lack of helpers.

Mr Clarke said: “It’s disappointing that people who go to the carnival won’t come forward to help us put it on. We will keep going - it’s in good hands, they have a lot of experience.”

His successor, Jo Hughes, has 20 years of experience in carnivals. She has issued a rallying call for the community to back organisers in providing Sidmouth with a show it ‘deserves’.

The Fairmead resident said: “We are so lucky to live in a beautiful place like Sidmouth. It’s once a year and people come out for it. It takes a lot of people to organise and the more people in the community that can help, the more we can provide for them.

“A town the size of Sidmouth deserves a show every year.”

Ms Hughes thanked Mr Clarke for all his hard work and the ‘blood, sweat and tears’ he had put into making the event a success. Mr Clarke will be assisting the new committee as it plans the September event, but has stepped back for health reasons.