ONE of the biggest annual events held in Andover is facing the ‘very real threat’ of cancellation.

Organisers of the annual Andover Carnival today urged people to help save the event, which attracts more than 8,000 per year, which could come to an end due to rising costs and a loss of some sponsors this year.

Plans for the carnival in its 11th year are already in motion however the committee of volunteers which organise the event is aiming to raise at least £4,000 via a gofundme page within four weeks so the show can go on.

Organisers will meet next month to decide whether it can go ahead with the 2018 event.

Andover Carnival committee chair Larna Burley said: “Let’s ensure that this historic event isn’t lost which brings so much of the community together for one brilliant free day of family fun and entertainment.

“The day sees in excess of 8,000 local people attended each year and the numbers continue to grow.

“The committee which is run by a small team of local volunteers put in a huge amount of work which results in the road procession and the thriving park that showcases local bands, supports local business and provides a huge amount of entertainment for the day.

“It would be a huge loss for the town if this year’s event didn’t happen.”

Last year’s carnival cost approximately £16,000 and the committee are urging for donations ranging from £1-£4,000 to help save the day.

The committee added: “Please help save Andover Carnival by donating today. We have four weeks to raise the much-needed funds in order to guarantee we are financially able to put on this year’s event.”

The event donates to two local charities per year and has been able to give around £2,000 to each cause in the last few years.

Carnival committee member Iris Andersen said: “This [event] has thrived from a walking procession right up to us getting the floats on board, because that is what everyone wanted. But as everything progresses, everything goes up [in price].

“With all past chairmen, past committee members, they all worked hard over the 11 years, and remember all we started off with is £5 in the kitty.

“It is devastating to think, God have we really come to that crunch?”

To donate to the cause, go to www.gofundme.com/andovercarnival.

For local businesses to get in touch about sponsorship email info@andovercarnival.org.