ONE of the country’s longest running carnivals is at risk of not going ahead due to a lack of cash.

Burnham-on-Crouch Carnival has been taking place since the late 1800s and is hugely popular in the community.

However, carnival bosses have warned that the 2023 event may be scaled down or even cancelled if the committee can’t raise enough money to host the event.

Carnival committee chairman Terry Martin said: “People don’t realise how much we have to spend to get the day up and running.

“Road closures and security alone cost us more than £3,000 and although many local acts support the event and perform for free, some of the big performers come from outside of the local area, so of course we have to pay them.

“Then there is insurance to pay - the list goes on and it’s a very long list.

“We estimate to secure the event we need to raise around £20,000 this year.”

The committee says any surplus funds from the money raised will go to the organising of the Christmas fair and other charities and community projects.

Money is raised through sponsorship and donations, but there have been less donations in the past few years.

Mr Martin said this is due to people not carrying cash anymore.

This year the committee will using a Just Giving page and will have donation stations on the day where people can donate using credit or debit cards.

However, the committee has said above all else it needs the support of local businesses and land developers.

A spokesman said: “Businesses who sponsor the event will receive massive amounts of publicity and have a presence on the day where they can meet the community and promote their business.

“There are different levels of sponsorship available, and the committee are working on speaking to local businesses.

“They are hoping to have the event secured by early May but if any business wants to get involved we would love to hear from them.”

If you would like to donate to the carnival, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/burnham-carnival.