A POPULAR Kidderminster annual event is set to be scrapped after stalwart organisers announced they are to retire.

Kidderminster Carnival Chairman Colin Hill, President Peter Picken and Carnival Queen organiser Ann Jones announced they are to step down.

But unless new people can be found to replace them, the carnival – a fixture in the town’s event calendar for 87 years – will be no longer be run.

The three members originally announced they were going to retire in 2010 but agreed to stay on because of declining numbers. But they have stated that their decision this time is final.

Mr Hill, aged 73, said: “The carnival is run by a committee of nine, many of whom have worked for all – or the majority – of the last 23 years, with extra help on the day from family, friends and Kidderminster Lions.

“None of us are getting any younger and we put the carnival and associate fundraising events on with very little help and no external funding.

“If the people of Kidderminster want a carnival, either individuals or an organisation must come forward to take it on.”

Some other committee members will carry on if required by new organisers and Mr Hill said he would gladly help.

But he added: “We have changed the carnival over the years and added features such as the very popular showcase of talent on the bandstand.

“However, it needs new blood with fresh ideas – and to be honest, younger people doing the leg work.”

Carnival queen Jessica Campbell’s trip to Kidderminster’s twin town of Husum for the annual Crocus Festival next month will still go-ahead.

The current carnival committee has raised £70,000 for a host of local charities since 1992.

Last year’s free-to-enter carnival raised £500 for Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Service, £300 for SARA, the Severn Area Rescue Association and £200 for the 1st Kidderminster Boys’ Brigade.

In the past, it has supported the Shuttle appeals for the Rhydd Covert Scouting centre and the Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club after they were hit by arson attacks, plus the hospital league of friends’ Millbrook Suite Appeal.

Mr Hill said: “The carnival has been a valuable source of help for many charities – not just the ones that have benefitted from the proceeds – but also those that come back year after year to have a stall at the Brinton Park showground.”

Mr Hill added: “But most of all, it’s the people of the town who will miss out on a day that attracts them by the thousands every year.

“We have tried to find more support, but it hasn’t been there. I truly hope the carnival survives.”

The committee’s annual meeting has been postponed to the end of the year to see if anyone comes forward before it is dissolved.

Anyone interested in helping run a carnival this June should contact Mr Hill on 01562 751634.