ORGANISERS of a popular maritime celebration have warned the event could be at risk if not enough volunteers come forward to help.

The rallying cry has gone out to the people of Aldeburgh as the resort gears up for its annual carnival.

Organisers for the event are in desperate need of volunteers to lend a hand laying out the procession route and spectator areas.

They have warned that if they cannot find enough people to help then the carnival may have to be cancelled.

Volunteers are needed to place and dismantle crowd control barriers in the town on Monday, August 20 - and organisers are urging anyone who thinks they can help to get in touch as soon as possible.

Keith Batt, press liaison officer for Aldeburgh Carnival, said: “Everything is in place however we have been left unexpectedly short of the vital volunteers who help to layout the procession route and the spectator areas. It is no exaggeration to say that without enough help, the carnival would be at risk. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”

This year’s Aldeburgh Carnival promises to be extra special as it is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Organisers had expressed fears that 2011’s event could be the last because of rising costs associated with policing and traffic control. But the carnival committee said donations hit a record high – helping them to meet the �40,000 cost.

Mr Batt continued: “Its been a busy summer what with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic torch procession and the Freedom of the Town parade for 3 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham. All the events have been well supported and we just hope that it continues. Special anniversary programmes are also available throughout the town.”

This year’s carnival procession has no overall theme so those who take part are free to choose whatever fancy dress they like to catch the eyes of the judges.

The fun kicks off on Saturday, August 18, with the carnival village, which includes stalls on Crag Path, sideshows, tombola and a traditional steam-driven galloper ride.

The following day starts with a car boot on King’s Field followed by a mini marathon, children’s land sports, an egg boat race and a united songs of praise.

The Monday sees a full programme of carnival events, starting at 8.30am with swimming races, more children’s land sports and a lifeboat launch.

The main procession starts at 3pm and will be followed by a Chinese lantern procession at 8.45pm ahead of the usual fireworks display.

N Anyone who would be willing to help out on the Monday can contact Paul Payne on 07714 279561 or Neil Godbold on 07730 599415. All volunteers get a carnival t-Shirt to wear and keep. They will be needed at the Moot Hall at 9.30am and 5.30pm and in the High Street at 9.30am, 5pm and 9.15pm.