THE public are being called on to follow in the footsteps of local businesses and to get behind Weymouth Carnival.

A dramatic turnaround this week saw pledges from the BID and two local businesses which look to have secured the attendance of the Red Arrow’s for this year’s event.

Recently, a Crowdfunder page hoping to raise money for the carnival closed short of its £18,000 target meaning the carnival received none of the money pledged.

However, a new page has now been launched, this time using flexible funding meaning even if the Carnival doesn’t meet its new £3,500 target it will receive any money pledged so far.

Chariman of Weymouth Carnival, Ryan Hope, explained.

He said: “The target has been shortened down to £3,500 and a four week period and this time it’s not all or nothing.”

The page will remain open until June 10 and Mr Hope hopes the support will continue.

He said: “The support is fantastic. I think people are getting in the carnival spirit as we get closer to the time.

“I think people now realise how hard the committee have been working and how much we need their support.”

Money issues have long cast doubts over whether the carnival would take place this year but the future is now long much more positive.

Mr Hope said the committee is now feeling much more optimistic.

He said: “It’s now a very optimistic mood. Spirits have been raised."

Mr Hope wants to see some of the negativity from members of the public turned around and for support to really grow as the carnival day gets nearer.

He said: “We have had a lot of negativity from the public. Let’s turn some of this negativity in to positivity. Let’s get behind carnival and take it back to how it used to be.”

Mr Hope also announced that he wants people to start coming forward with proposals for floats to get momentum going with just three months until it starts.

People who donated to the first Crowdfunder will need to re-pledge this time to have their contribution taken but Mr Hope said he has contacted those people.

The funding had already enjoyed a good start with more than £500 pledged by the end of Thursday, with the page only started on Wednesday night.

The carnival committee are urging people to donate whatever they can, even if that is just £1.

Anyone who wants to donate towards the Carnival can do so at: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/apoundforweymouthcarnival/

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