ORGANISERS of Felixstowe's biggest event are today crying out for help after attracting more than 30,000 people but failing to raise any money for charity.

ORGANISERS of Felixstowe's biggest event are today crying out for help after attracting more than 30,000 people but failing to raise any money for charity.

It cost £25,000 to stage the carnival and gate receipts and sponsorship brought in the same amount, leaving nothing in the pot.

Now the nine-man committee is calling on Suffolk Coastal District Council and businesses in the town to give more help.

Carnival secretary Sandie Doran said: “The whole aim of the carnival is to raise money for charity but this year we don't have a penny to give away.

“People think the council pays for it but they don't.

“The bands are not cheap, the fireworks cost thousands, security for the park costs £2,000 - people don't do these things for free.

“We get £500 from the council and then have to give £450 back for the park, £100 for an entertainments licence and £50 for a licence to put the bunting up - that's more than they give us.

“Quite frankly, the council does not do enough for the carnival. We attract 30,000 people to the park and thousands more to see the parade and attracting people to Felixstowe is supposed to be the job of the tourism department, whose senior officers get paid big fat salaries.”

A council spokesman said carnivals were traditionally fundraising events organised by volunteers and that it offered advice, support and grant aid.

He said: “The council recognises the carnival does bring in a large quantity of visitors to Felixstowe, as do other events across the district which is why the council works with communities to help attract tourism into the district.”

n The carnival's annual meeting will be on November 7 at the Cork pub, Underclif Road West, Felixstowe, at 7.30pm.