THE ORGANISER of Exmouth Carnival has hailed the success of this year s event but is worried about its future amid rising costs of staging the street procession. Rob Woller said approximately �3500 was raised from the illuminated carnival last Saturday, O

THE ORGANISER of Exmouth Carnival has hailed the success of this year's event but is worried about its future amid rising costs of staging the street procession.

Rob Woller said approximately �3500 was raised from the illuminated carnival last Saturday, October 10, which was about �800 down on last year's figure - with the parade costing in the region of �7000 to organise.

Twenty five per cent of the money raised goes towards outgoings which include prize money for the floats, paying the marshalls and majorettes.

The remainder of the money is saved in preparation of the following year's event.

Rob said: "I'm concerned about the rising costs. When you consider the amount of people who were in Exmouth on Saturday night and look at the amount of money raised, it's not good.

"Next year the carnival will go ahead but after that we shall have to watch the pennies.

"It doesn't help having to pay the (Performing Rights Society) money.

"It was about �250 but that was a drop in the ocean compared with the overall cost of putting on the carnival which is approaching around �7000 now.

"We get no sponsorship at all. It would be great if we could achieve this but businesses are very tight financially at the moment.

"They work out how they are going to spend their money and the carnival, sadly, would probably be the last thing on their minds.

"We want to save the event and secure its long term future and would like therefore to see some funding come in."

Rob added: "The carnival itself was a great success last Saturday.

"The number of young people taking part was the highest I have ever seen with all the youth groups such as the sea cadets and scouts.

"A wide array of people took part - and that is what carnivals are supposed to be about."

Exmouth mayor Daryl Nicholas said he was pleased to see the street procession was enjoyed be those who attended.

"Lots of people turned out. I was impressed with the floats and it added to the excitement the fact that it was an illuminated carnival.

"It is a great from the point of view it is an event that families can attend for free.