Cash drive for carnival
TOWN RAISING FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY EVENT
Reporter ORGANISERS of Whitley Bay Carnival have launched a campaign to raise £12,000.
The team says they have received fewer grants this year and are urging people to help towards the costs of the programme.
An online crowdfunding page has been set up where people can donate.
Carol Alevroyianni, carnival producer, said: “In three short years the Whitley Bay town carnival has become a hugely popular event which the community has really got behind.
“Last year, thanks to additional funding grants, the carnival was not only a spectacular event featuring a wide range of professional acts, but we were able to really reach out into the community and touch people who might not normally get involved in such an event.
“This year we have significantly less funding, but people and local business have already come forward to volunteer their time and resources as they really believe in the carnival.”
Volunteers are needed to help make costumes, take part in the band and manage the parade.
Organisers are hoping everybody who attended last year will donate £1 to help them reach their target, with cash going towards artwork, costumes and securing professional street performers.
The event, which will be themed on all things wild, will take place over the second Bank Holiday weekend in May.
It will start with a ticketed Carnival Ball on May 26, featuring The Baghdaddies.
This will be followed by a parade of schoolchildren and community groups through the town’s streets on May 27, culminating in live music, crafts, street theatre and food at the Spanish City Plaza.
Rev Alan Dickinson, a board member for Whitley Bay Big Local, said: “We are happy to support the carnival again.
“It brings a feel-good factor to the town and fits in with our aim of community action.”
To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/whitleybaycarnival
Businesses wishing to become sponsors should contact Ms Alevroyianni at calevroyianni@aol.com
Tickets for the ball are on sale for £10 from Di Meo’s Italian Café and Ice Cream Parlour, on Marine Avenue, or for £11.21 from eventbrite. co.uk