This year's event, on July 12, could very well be the last, if more money cannot be raised.

Freda Hughes, chair of the Littlehampton Carnival Committee, said: "People do not realise that the bands and entertainment cost money.

They do not come along for the fun of it. Then there is insurance and the cost of dressing the carnival queens and princesses."
She said the true cost of the carnival was around £12,000, and increasing every year.

"But the street collections, made on the day, and supposed to go to charity, are not."

The average figure collected on carnival day is £3,000, and the committee take enough to cover costs, donating the rest to charity.

"Though this year, I would be surprised if we break even. It we do not collect £3,500, the short-fall will be coming out of mine and the committee's pockets."

This year is the 35th time Freda has organised the carnival, and she said it is getting harder every year.

"The committee work so hard, it's almost like a full-time job. We put on fundraising events throughout the year, and there are always phone calls to make and e-mails to deal with.

"We also take the carnival queens and princesses to other events across the region, with our banner, promoting the town, and that all costs money."

She added that if every family who went to the carnival put just £1 into the collection, there would be more than enough money to cover costs, as well as donate to charity.

"I understand times are hard at the moment, but this is a free show, for all the family. We are one of the only surviving carnivals on the south coast, and I think it would be really, really sad to lose it."

* Littlehampton Carnival green noses are on sale now, priced at £1 each, with all proceeds going to the carnival fund. Show your support by wearing the nose on carnival day.

They are available from local shops, including The Fabric Store, David O Jones and the Littlehampton Gazette office.

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