ORGANISERS of Andover Carnival have announced the show will go on after an urgent appeal for funds brought in enough support to save the day.

One of Andover’s biggest events of the year faced the “very real threat” of cancellation, it was announced in January, due to rising costs and a loss of some sponsors, with a call going out for donations to the cause.

However the committee has now secured the extra cash needed to pull off the big day to be held this summer.

The decision was made in a meeting held on Tuesday last week and the carnival date is set for 15 July.

Andover Carnival committee chair Larna Burnley said: “We would first like to thank our sponsors that have supported us now for many years and have once again confirmed their commitment to this year’s event.

“Since the appeal we are delighted to announce some new sponsors who all wanted to ensure that this popular local event did not disappear from the calendar.

“As well as securing extra funds the carnival committee has scrutinised every item of funding and expenditure.

“All avenues were explored to see where cost reductions could be made, while ensuring that all essentials, such as security and toilets, were not compromised.

“The meeting concluded that the event could go ahead and plans are well in hand.”

Alongside new sponsors backing the event such as Andover Central Club, Orvis, Andover Commercial Centre and Jungle Jungle, more than £700 was raised from an online crowdfunding campaign.

Mark Way School also hosted a fundraising dress down day and a Lloyds office also helped out, raising £62 and £150 respectively.

The committee set out to raise £4,000 in just over four weeks in order to save the carnival.

Long term sponsors that continue to support the event this year include Lloyds Banking Group, Simply Health, David Mellor and Ocado.

Residents are now being encouraged to come forward with entries for the procession, park stalls, on stage acts and helpers on the day.

Application forms can be found at http://andovercarnival.org.