THE rebranded Town Carnival is facing cutbacks due to a continuing cash shortage. The troubled summer event has faced funding problems since the States trimmed its support.
Now organisers say it needs a massive cash injection or it will be run on a much smaller scale this summer and in future.
Regular performers, including some family-friendly acts, are not expected to come.
The event has been rebranded as The New Town Carnival: La Fete de Musique a la Ville, emphasising the focus on music and the importance of Guernsey culture. It will run from 21-28 July.
The Town Centre Partnership is trying to salvage it.
‘Unfortunately, there is not enough funding to put on the popular events that have attracted so many in the past, which is a real shame for both St Peter Port and the island as a whole,’ said partnership executive officer Jack Honeybill.
‘As the carnival is an attraction for tourists as well, especially family visitors, there could be a knock-on effect for tourism unless the situation improves.’
The partnership is looking for sponsors to fund performers or the sites at which they play. A fund-raising effort will be started soon in conjunction with Island FM.
‘There is a real opportunity here for anyone interested to get involved, from local performers through to local businesses,’ said Deputy Honeybill.
‘In the past, the carnival has been funded with just over £30,000, which we are well short of currently. If there was more funding available then the potential for something truly spectacular is in waiting.’
The carnival was started in the early 1990s but has long struggled financially.
Traders have often been accused of being reluctant to support it, though some say it fails to get their tills ringing.
A letter asking for their backing sent by the TCP has not had a good response.
‘I completely understand and sympathise with the position of the traders in Town, with bills rising faster than revenue,’ said Deputy Honeybill.
‘Although they have helped substantially in the past alongside the contribution from the States, we’re having to come up with alternative methods of fund-raising to put on the limited schedule this year alone.’
Savings put aside in previous years were used last year to stage events.
The new-style carnival will see visiting performers from the UK including a classical quartet from Covent Garden.
Permission has been granted to hold a concert in Market Square as well as lunchtime events in the Town Church.
* Deputy Honeybill wants anyone offering support to contact him as soon as possible. ‘We’re also trying to ensure that as much of Town as possible is involved. We don’t want any area to be left out.’
Article posted on 30th April, 2007 - 12.00am
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