MikeyT Posted 22 June 2011 Posted 22 June 2011 http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Leicester-s-Caribbean-Carnival-parade-lack-funds/story-12813640-detail/story.html Organisers of Leicester's Caribbean Carnival have been forced to scrap the parade part of the festival due to a lack of cash. Normally, the event, which attracts more than 80,000 people, features a procession through the city's streets, before a party on Victoria Park. But this year the carnival will stay in the park in a bid to save about £100,000. Chairman Dennis "Sugar" Christopher said he was disappointed, but the change was necessary in order to keep the festival going. He said: "I feel terrible about it, but we have got to look at our finances. "It will still be a brilliant day and will be all over the park." Mr Christopher said it would cost £150,000 to hold the event just in the park, but £100,000 more to parade in the city. He previously told the Mercury that the festival might be held in the city centre at Humberstone Gate with a parade which started at Victoria Park. But this plan has now been shelved in favour of a party at Victoria Park, without a procession. Mr Christopher said he hoped the parade, which sees floats and dancers travel through Highfields, Evington and into the city centre, could return next year. Caribbean groups around the city, who usually take part in the carnival, said the were disappointed. Paula Reid, senior care officer and the West Indian Senior Citizens' Project, in Lincoln Street, said the lack of parade would mean that many of the people she cares for would miss out on the day. She said: "I think people have forgotten that the elderly people at the day centre are the ones that started it and went to the first carnivals here so many years ago. "While Highfields is no longer just an area for the black community, it is good for the parade to go there and remember. If it is just up in Victoria Park, it won't be the same. "Our elderly people would sit out on the street and watch the procession go by – it is very important to them. But if it is just in the park, they will miss out on this. It's not right." George Martin, chairman of the Leicester Caribbean Cricket Club, said he felt the "spirit of the festival would be lost" without the parade. He said: "The carnival is about standing out on the street with your neighbours, watching the parade go by. I am very disappointed. The parade shows the next generation what it is to be Caribbean – it takes the culture to their doorsteps. Without it, I think the essence and spirit of the festival would be lost." Councillor Hanif Aqbany, of the Spinney Hill ward, said he was sad that the parade would no longer pass through the area, but understood the financial difficulties the committee face. "It is wonderful when it passes through the ward, with everyone coming out of their houses to watch it bring life and colour to the city," he said. "But if it can no longer happen because of money, then that is understandable. We are all facing difficult times at the moment." The Caribbean Carnival will take place on Saturday, August 6.
Bert Posted 23 June 2011 Posted 23 June 2011 They've not got enough wedge to cover policing costs more like.
Zingari Posted 23 June 2011 Posted 23 June 2011 I blame Colin Hall. If Colin has taught us anything , it's that we've all got to tighten our belts
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 23 June 2011 Posted 23 June 2011 If Colin has taught us anything , it's that we've all got to tighten our belts Haha well played
MC Prussian Posted 23 June 2011 Posted 23 June 2011 If Colin has taught us anything , it's that we've all got to tighten our belts ... in times of trouser turmoil.
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