AN URGENT appeal to save Andover Carnival has so far received less than 20 per cent of the funds needed with the deadline just two weeks away.

The carnival committee announced last month one of the biggest events in the town was under the “very real threat” of cancellation due to rising costs and loss of some sponsors, and launched a crowdfunding campaign to save the event.

A total of £4,000 is needed before the carnival committee’s meeting on 20 February, but only £679 has been raised so far.

Andover Carnival committee chairman Larna Burnley said: “The Andover Carnival team would like to thank all of the people that so far have offered money on our Gofundme page. A big thank you to Orvis who started our funds off with a generous £500.

“The carnival however is still short of funds and we need to raise more money if this year’s carnival is going to have enough funds to take place.

“Please help save the Andover Carnival by donating today. We now have two weeks to raise the much-needed funds to guarantee we are financially able to put on this year’s event.”

Ms Burnley also emphasised how company sponsorship is a main source of funding, and the carnival has been supported for years by Lloyds, Simplyhealth, David Mellor Jewellers and Ocado.

The event is free for visitors but costs around £16,000 to run.

Andover Carnival’s annual pancake race fundraiser is still going ahead as planned for Tuesday, 13 February, and is encouraging teams to enter.

Money raised from the pancake race will go to the carnival’s chosen charities of the year, which are yet to be confirmed.

Racers can sign up on the day at 11.45am with the run taking place at the Guildhall from noon.

To donate to save the carnival go to gofundme.com/andovercarnival.

Any firms interested in sponsoring the event can email info@andovercarnival.org.