THIS summer’s Bournemouth Carnival may be the last if more volunteers don’t come forward, organisers are warning.

They’re issuing an urgent appeal for ‘new blood’ to revitalise the week-long carnival, which is more than 130 years old.

Otherwise, residents enjoying the fun mix of the grand procession, treasure hunts, fancy dress competitions, duck racing and entertainments in the Lower Gardens from July 30 to August 5 will do so for the last time.

In a plea for help, the carnival committee said: “One thing that is very certain is that without dedicated volunteers to help organise and present the event, the show will not go on.”

Trevor Hunter, one of just 10 organisers, told the Daily Echo: “We’d like to try to get some new blood into the committee as most of us have been around for a while.

“We could do with a core of about 15. This year will definitely go ahead but next year is in doubt.”

Anyone with time to spare is invited to the committee’s next meeting at Days Hotel, in East Overcliff Drive, on May 1 from 7.30pm.

“People should come along with some fresh ideas of how we can make the carnival appeal to members of the public,” Mr Hunter added.

“We’re putting all we can into it but don’t see many people around the procession routes.

“We need to know what residents want to see for the carnival.”

Although children’s events on the beaches prove popular, they’re keen to vary venues and offer different entertainment.

Mr Hunter says when the Carnival Queen visits other carnivals, they find other organisers are also struggling.

“It would be a shame if the carnival stopped,” Mr Hunter said.

“But from listening to what other carnival committees say, a lot of them are in the same position.”

Take up for procession floats has been slow as people are trying to fit in Diamond Jubilee and Olympic events too, he added.

Visit bournemouthcarnival.org.uk for details.