A POPULAR carnival has been saved by volunteers after organisers warned it could be in danger due to lack of support.

Maldon Carnival has been secured for 2020 after new helpers stepped forward to save the tradition that was scrapped for the first time in 68 years last year.

The cancellation left many disappointed, but organisers said not enough people were coming forward to volunteer their support.

Carnival chairman Rob Slight said the turnaround is great news for the town, with about 20 volunteers signing up.

He said: “We’ve managed to get quite a good response and get a committee together and it seems there’s enough people to do it all next year.

“It feels really good to have had people come forward and help out.

“It means people want the carnival to continue, quite a lot of people were upset last year.

“It being cancelled last year did open a lot of people’s eyes, I think.

“A lot of people say they’re going to help but think someone else is going to take it on.”

He said it was clear residents were fond of the event and realised its significance in the town.

He said: “A lot of people realise they now need to help, the more volunteers we have the less they have to do individually.

“People are realising the importance it has for the town and for charity and being together as a community.

“Local youth groups, committees, and other people come together to celebrate the town and the carnival.”

Although the volunteers have allowed the carnival to continue, organisers have said there is still more to be done.

Rob added: “The next thing we’ve got to do is fundraise. With no carnival this year we haven’t raised as much as we usually would have.

“We need to book some more events and we’ve got bingo, quiz nights and a Santa’s Grotto lined up.

“The new committee members have got some really good new ideas too.”

Councillor Stephen Nunn said it was a positive outcome.

He said: “I’m really pleased our people have rallied and this long standing tradition is going to be resurrected and we can enjoy enjoy the carnival again.

“The carnival is part of the ingredients of the town and without it it’s just not the same.”

The procession will be held on August 1 next year and carnival week will start on July 27.