The future of the Hale Carnival is in danger.

That was the warning sounded on Tuesday (September 16) with suspension of the North Farnham event a real possibility if organisers don’t get new blood on their committee.

The committee needs 12 of more members to run the July showpiece, but only eight people have volunteered so far.

“We may have to suspend the carnival for a year, or stop it completely,” concluded president Amanda Sergison-Maine during the group’s AGM in the Hale Institute.

The warning belies an excellent year for the committee, as the carnival’s profits more than doubled, allowing 31 local charities and good causes to receive a share of £6,550.

A decision will be made at an Extraordinary General Meeting at the end of September but the 2026 event will go ahead if new members come forward in the meantime.

This year’s carnival grossed £36,000, 64 per cent more than last year, meaning it cleared an £8,000 profit and could substantially expand its charitable giving.

Among the recipients of £500 each were schools, community groups such as Derby and Joan; Brownies and Scouts; the Food Bank and Hygiene Bank; Farnham Assist and the Aston Defibrillator Fund which funds the placing and upkeep of defibrillators around Farnham.

Its representative and founder member, Professor Tom Quinn, knows the value of the carnival, saying: “It means there are people walking around the area today who would not otherwise be here”.

Hale resident Gary Murphy also expressed how important the carnival is, saying: “It’s our event; we can’t not have it.

“It’s what the community needs, especially these days, and people look forward to it every year.”

He backed up his words by joining the committee but more members are needed. To find out how to support the carnival, email [email protected].