KENDAL Torchlight Carnival will not go ahead this year unless a minimum of eight volunteers join the team by the end of February, say organisers.

The popular event was reignited in 2013 by a fresh team of volunteers, after its shock cancellation in 2012.

But organiser Simon McElroy said without another eight ‘committed and capable’ people to join the event management team the workload will be too high and the carnival will have to be axed for 2015.

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“There was such a truly emotional outcry from Kendal when the carnival was cancelled in 2012,” he said.

“It would be fabulous if that emotional energy were converted into action and commitment.

“We feel we need to make this announcement now in order to give people the chance to step-up and keep the carnival going.”

Mr McElroy said: “The value of Torchlight to our youngsters, community groups, businesses and charities is an immeasurable experience.

“It promotes each organisation, each cause, school and business, engages and builds confidence in the participants, maintains school and family tradition, and keeps the spirit of our community alive and vibrant.

“Since October 2014, Torchlight has been planning to initiate an Arts Council-funded Kendal Carnival Arts Group.

“This will engage local schools, community groups and businesses in the arts of carnival costumery, music and movement, but this can only happen if we have a complete management team to run the carnival.”

In 2014, more than 1,700 people participated in Torchlight, the estimated crowd was between 25-30,000 people, and the estimated minimum attributable spend on the night was in the region of £100,000.

In addition, Torchlight puts £10,000 of its income into local businesses and charity causes.

The final decision about whether to hold the event will be made on February 28.

Organisers are urgently seeking people to take on the following roles, with commitment to maintain the responsibility from now until October 31: Volunteer Recruitment and Coordination; Logistics Coordination (2); Press and Media Coordination; Web, Social Media and IT Coordination; Fundraising and Grant Applications; Sponsorship and Business Promotion; Administration.

To volunteer, please contact Vicki Wright on 07846 973857 or volunteers@kendal-torchlight-carnival.co.uk