Bermondsey Carnival will take place on August 21 this summer, with organisers calling for volunteers to get involved in this year’s smaller edition.
The longstanding Southwark Park event was not given its usual grant this year, which has stretched to as much as £80,000 in the past – instead getting a £10,000 share of a larger cultural events fund.
Russell Dryden, who runs the carnival with Phil Burkett, said he had been given a further £5,000 from a donor he declined to name, adding that he was speaking to other local charities in the hopes of getting more funding.
Russell asked for anyone who wants to get involved in putting the carnival on to get involved. “We’re taking it back to the community, and we’re going to form the steering committee again.
“The carnival started like that. As it got bigger the council came in and managed it, but we’re going to bring it back to the community again.”
As well as people to help organise the carnival, which usually features music, food, stalls and fairground rides, Russell said he was looking for any local performers and dance groups who want to take part.
If you’d like to take part, get in touch with Russell at russell@bluebermondsey.co.uk