THIS year’s carnival has been cancelled and the future of all carnivals in South Petherton thrown into doubt after a volunteer shortage left the committee without a chairman.

The shock news came at the South Petherton Carnival Committee’s annual general meeting, at which the previous chairman stepped down.

The current chairman, Andrea Clifford, announced she would be moving aside to focus on her family commitments, but remain on the committee.

A spokesman for the group said the local village had been asked on several occasions if they could assist the current committee by looking for a new chairman, but had been unsuccessful in finding new volunteers.

Luke Bennett, a committee member, said: “It will be a huge loss for the village, but unfortunately it would appear that people no longer want the carnival.

“It is one of the biggest nights in the village.

“It had been improving in recent years and we receive a lot of feedback about how people enjoy the carnival, but it would seem no one wants to give up their time to help run it even with the help of the existing committee.”

Several other village events run throughout the year in association with the carnival, such as the annual duck race, fun day and fun fair, and it is uncertain how the events will be affected.

Mr Bennett added: “The current committee works really hard to run these events throughout the year.

“We all have our own commitments but work together to put on these events for South Petherton and give up what time we have.

“We would fully support a new chairperson taking over the role, but unfortunately no one has come forward, so we have no other choice but to cancel the carnival.

“Once it is gone it will be difficult to revive in future years.”

The carnival has been running for more than 50 years, taking place each September, and is one of the only illuminated village carnivals to take place in the area.

Last year, more than £4,000 was given to local worthy causes thanks to fundraising by the carnival.

If you would like to volunteer for the committee, contact andyamclifford@hotmail.com, or call 01460 249336.