Can you Help save Melksham Carnival?

MELKSHAM Carnival, a key part of the town’s events calendar, may be cancelled this year if the committee cannot fill vacancies to help with the organisation and running of the event.

The chair of the volunteer team is due to step down and along with this, the team need more volunteers to help with a range of jobs. Without this additional help, the committee say that this year’s carnival would be unable to go ahead.

Last year’s carnival, held in July, was the first one back in the town since 2019, following the Covid lockdowns.

Volunteer Beth Dark said, “It is with regret that Melksham Carnival 2022 was the last one for some members of the current committee. We, as a team, unfortunately have been under a massive amount of pressure for a few years, with Covid restrictions and the various commitments of the committee members, and this is not a decision we have made lightly.

“While we managed to organise and run Melksham Carnival 2022, it wasn’t without significant difficulties and has been harder to pull off than any other year. “It is with great regret that some core members of the current Melksham Carnival committee, and associates, are unable to commit to the organisation of such an event.

“We as a committee have been thoroughly grateful of the immense support which we have been offered and given, from the entire town, in its various capacities – you are the reason we kept trying and your joy has made this a wonderful thing to be part of.

“If any individual or group feels that they are able to take this on, we would be more than happy to talk through the process and what is involved. Having more help would possibly change things and Melksham Carnival could possibly continue.”

The group is looking to fill the chair vacancy and would also like other help to marshal the event, and help with the organisation.

Beth said, “We need the right kind of help, we need people to help with the media side of things, art and design, we need people to help that have the ability to fulfil their roles.”

The committee will be holding an event in the next few months to enable those who wish to help to express their interest and find out more about what is involved.

The date of this event will be announced on their Facebook page.

For more information about this or to register to volunteer, contact Beth Dark via info@melkshamcarnival.co.uk or ring 07500 776 229.

Beth said, “Thank you, once again, for the support you have given us, over the years.”