Carnival's future secured following volunteer 'crisis'

Organisers of the Baildon community carnival have expressed their relief after a recent volunteer recruitment drive ensured the event would go ahead. The carnival faced a serious risk of cancellation due to a lack of volunteers to support its expanding activities.

Ann Foster, deputy chair of the Baildon Carnival Committee, explained that the group issued an urgent appeal last month when they realised that without additional help, the 2026 paradeor even the entire eventmight have to be called off.

She said, The carnival grows bigger each year, which is wonderful, but it also means we need more volunteers to maintain that progress.

The Baildon Carnival has historic roots, tracing back to the 1920s, with earlier Gypsy and Traveller community gatherings at the Jenny Lane site reportedly dating to 1770. After a decline following the Second World War, the carnival was revived in 2014 and is now held annually on the second Saturday of July.

Following the recruitment appeal, six new volunteers joined, meeting the minimum requirement to ensure the event could proceed. Foster commented, We are thrilled the appeal worked and hope it continues. Additional volunteers are always welcome to lighten the committees workload.

She also noted the importance of attracting younger participants: Many of our volunteers have more free time, but we need fresh energy to assist with the physically demanding tasks.

Author: Sophia Brooks