Future of cash-strapped carnival in doubt

Jun 25 2007 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

THIS year's Kings Heath Carnival could have been the last after a cash crisis.

Organisers fear the Birmingham festival, which has been running for more than two decades, is in danger of folding after failing to clinch funding for it.

Pete Symonds, an organiser for the last eight years, said: "We didn't manage to get any funding for it this year in terms of grants from the council.

"We had to use money in the pot from last year's event and cash paid by stallholders to fund this year's. But now that pot of money has run dry and I don't know how we are going to raise enough money for next year.

"Effectively, this year's carnival could have been the last."

Kings Heath Park came to life with a sea of colour and music on Saturday as bands piped out tunes, dancers took to the stage and birds of prey gave a falconry display.

Contingency plans had to be swung into action after much of the park had become water-logged by heavy rainfall last week.

"We had to push the carnival towards the back of the park, rather than at the front, which had become a bit like a bog," said My Symonds, a 58-year-old retired engineer.

"We had around 2,000 people, which is about half the normal, but that seems to be a direct result of the weather. Other than that it was a great day and I think people had a brilliant time."

For more information or to donate, log on to www.kingsheathcarnival.org.uk.