Organisers fear that there may be no carnival celebrations in Dorchester next year unless volunteers come forward to save the day.

Although this year’s event was hailed a great success with more than £6,000 raised for local charities.

This year saw Dorchester Carnival rebranded to Midsummer Madness and organisers made the decision to make the parade ‘float-free’.

However, despite the event’s resounding success, organisers have warned Dorchester may be left without a carnival next year unless volunteers come forward to help organise the event.

At the present time, there is no committee in place to take the event forward into 2019.

A spokesman said: “Unless individuals, or a local organisation, are prepared to give of their time to create a new committee and organise the event, in whatever format they decide, there will be no carnival of any kind next year.

“Help and advice will be forthcoming from those who have helped in previous years, but new blood and new ideas are needed to make this event a reality.

“This is an event that needs a year to plan and put in place, so time is very much of the essence.”

Speaking about the success of this year’s event, the spokesman said: “We took a chance altering the format of the carnival, and it appears to have paid off, although inevitably there were a few criticisms which have been taken on board for future events.”

Entertainment was shared between the Borough Gardens, Brewery Square and South Street with revellers enjoying celebrations across the town from mid-morning until early evening.

“Those who took part in the parade seemed to have great fun, and we received a lot of positive feedback from the participants.

“And we achieved one of our main aims, which was to create an occasion during which money could be raised for local charities and other not for profit organisations. This made all the hard work and sleepless nights worthwhile,” the spokesman said.

The sponsored tandem ride was a very welcome addition and Wynn’s Funfair made the carnival an extra special occasion for children with additional needs, offering them exclusive use of the rides on the Friday morning.

In total more than £6,000 was raised to benefit local charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Anyone interested in joining the committee to help ensure next year’s celebrations can go ahead is asked to contact Alistair Chisholm on 01305 268603.