AN appeal has been launched to give Ilminster Carnival a funding boost after organisers cancelled this years event.

The carnival committee announced earlier in lockdown that the 2020 procession would not take place, and have been holding a series of fun online activities to keep up awareness.

Every year, profits raised from the parade are given to charities and community groups.

In February of this year, before the pandemic struck, a cheque for £1,500 was handed to LoveMusgrove, the charity arm of Musgrove Park Hospital.

The donation was for the Taunton neo-natal unit.

A spokesman for the Ilminster Carnival Committee said: “We have created a Just Giving page where you can help to support Ilminster Carnival so we can ensure carnival will continue in the future.

“We have set a target of £1,000 and would appreciate any donations you can contribute to our target.

“Due to the current ongoing Coronavirus situation we had to make the decision that Ilminster Carnival would not take place this year. However, we are keen to still celebrate carnival, but in a different way.”

The committee is currently running a Facebook vote for some of the best Ilminster Carnival entries from 2009 to 2019.

The spokesman added: “We have planned various activities that will take place on our social media pages over the next few months.

“We are going to be hosting an online Zoom quiz, sharing photos and videos from past Ilminster Carnivals.

“We have also created The Best of Ilminster Carnival, where the public can vote for their favourite entries from past carnivals.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ilminster-carnival