A crowd funding appeal to help Deal Carnival’s funding shortfall has raised more than £800.

And - amid a raft of support - a glamorous red carpet event will return this January at a venue to be announced next week.

Last we reported that an online campaign at GoFundMe was launched by Deal Carnival Association chairman John Trickey to fill a £1,000 hiatus from this year’s collections.

Messages of support were left on the page by people who have already donated including Gareth Wilkinsom.

His £400 pledge was a significant one which pushed the tally well over the half way mark.

He said: “I grew up in deal, love the carnival even though I live in the states now. Hoping to see it next year.”

Jenny Domane said she donated because she is a Deal resident and enjoys everything that is laid on for everyone’s entertainment. “Long may it continue”.

Funding for the £26,000 Regatta Week is a regular strain on the committee, which has no reserves. Its members have to start from scratch each year writing new grant applications and approaching businesses for sponsorship.

The Mercury has launched its own Keep Carnival Week Afloat campaign to urge readers to make donations this year and in future years.

Mr Trickey said supporters have come forward wanting to put on events. These include Tracy Carr of depression help group Talk it Out, and the Woolls family, who already support the week long fiesta by sponsoring the Party on the Prom’s fireworks.

Mr Trickey said the shortfall was from a lack of bucket collections despite strong support by local sponsors, many of whom advertise in the carnival programme each year.

“Of all the years I am still amazed at the generosity of the people of Deal and Walmer. There was a shortfall in collections from the rain on Carnival night, but the way they have come out in support since the shortfall was announced - the people of Deal and Walmer make it all worthwhile,” he said

But while community groups and some individuals are generous with their cash, sponsorship and event ideas, our reader poll on the Deal page of kentonline.co.uk revealed most feel the public should not have to put their hands in their pockets.

The results showed 56% of respondents said no, 29% said yes, and 15% were not sure.

This is despite the story revealing the week of events receives no guaranteed public funding from the area’s councils.

Any cash the authorities give is in response to grant applications which are not always granted.

Regatta Week includes the Teddy Bears’ Picnic and fireworks, fun run, raft race, sea swim, lorry pull, baby show, Party on the Prom, Carnival and Caribbean beach party. It is free for all spectators.

Search Deal carnival on GoFundMe to donate or click here

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