Organisers of Whitstable Carnival say they are in urgent need of volunteers for next month’s event.

Following a good deal of uncertainty - after the previous committee simultaneously retired and the historic parade was saved from collapse by a brand-new committee - things appear to be falling into place for the 122nd annual carnival.

A fundraising cabaret evening took place at St Peter’s Church hall at the weekend - including singing and poetry readings, a raffle, and an auction held by crime writer Julie Wassmer featuring a variety of items donated by local artists.

The event raised more than £2,000, bringing the carnival committee over their financial target.

On Tuesday, Rev Simon Tillotson blessed a “Lammas loaf” - a traditional harvest bread that was specially made by Hubbard’s bakery in celebration of the historic carnival.

However, treasurer of the new committee Chris Stone says helping hands are now urgently needed to ensure the event runs smoothly on Saturday, August 3.

“We’re really short on volunteers,” he said.

“We need people to walk with the floats, direct traffic, and to sell carnival programmes both on the day and beforehand.

“We’ve probably got about 20 floats lined up, and more people will turn up on the day.

“The Invicta model will be at the front, but the fire brigade will be absolutely first.

“We’ve got others from Whitstable Museum, the Crab and Winkle Trust, the Umbrella Centre.”

Carnival king and queen Maurice Longman, six, and Mila Hewett, five, will be leading the procession.

Maurice said: “I’m very excited, it’s going to be a lot of fun”, while Mila’s mum Leia Mackenzie says her daughter is also looking forward to representing the town.

Mr Stone explained the hope it for them to be carried on sedan chairs, and is calling for volunteers to lend a hand in carrying them, swapping in and out along the route.

“We’re also looking for people to wear some magnificent fish hats we have,” he said.

“They don’t have any purpose, but that’s the great thing about carnival. It’s just a day of fun.

“So if you have a fish costume, do it.

“Even if you only come along to watch the carnival, we’d love people to still dress up. People can walk along with the procession.

“You don’t have to be special to take part.You just have to be you.

“Carnival welcomes everyone equally. It makes no distinctions.

“It is a moving pageant with its roots in time.”

The carnival procession leaves Tankerton at 5.30pm on August 3, following Whitstable Harbour Day which is taking place earlier the same day.

The parade is set to pass down Tower Parade, then up through the town. Full details are available in the carnival programme, which is on sale for £1.

A “children’s activity trail” will be offering a range of free things to do on the day, while a “carnival party” hosted by Tea and Times at Whitstable Umbrella Centre will provide entertainment and refreshments after the event.

Tickets for the party are now on sale from Tea and Times, for £5 in advance.

A donation from ticket sales will be made to the Whitstable Carnival Fund.

To volunteer at the carnival, email carnivalwhitstable@gmail.com.

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