Popular annual event cancelled

The Newtown Carnival Committee has announced the postponement of the 2025 Carnival, citing the retirement of five dedicated and long-serving committee members as the primary reason.

The decision comes just a year after the Carnival made its much-anticipated return in 2024, following a five-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of volunteers.

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The Carnival, a staple of Newtown's community calendar, has grown to become a significant undertaking. The event requires year-round planning, fundraising, and a wide range of logistical efforts, including setting up marquees, managing lorry bookings, ensuring the safety of parade routes, and marshalling the event field.

In a statement, the remaining committee members shared the challenges they faced in continuing the event without the experience and capacity of their retiring colleagues. "We do not have the experience and capacity between ourselves to deliver what is a three-day event, from set-up to take-down, safely and efficiently," they explained.

The committee took the opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude to the retiring volunteers, acknowledging their decades of unwavering commitment to the Newtown community.

• Jen Reynolds
• Sarah Taylor
• Caitlin Lane
• Lynda Williams
• Douglas Reynolds

These individuals have left an indelible mark on the Carnival’s history and will be deeply missed. The committee also extended thanks to all other volunteers who have contributed over the years.

The postponement offers a chance for the committee to regroup and rebuild.

Plans include recruiting new committee members with experience in managing large community events and revamping the Carnival's website to better serve the community. Proposed updates to the site include:

• A diary of events
• Newsletters
• Posters and promotional materials
• Online systems for booking lorries and event pitches
• A donations page

The committee is calling on Newtown residents to step forward and help shape the future of this beloved event. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to drop a letter with their contact details and availability at the Monty Club.