Maldon Carnival Committee met at Plantation Hall, Heybridge, last night (September 7) for their Annual General Meeting, selecting members for individual leadership roles.

It was the first meeting of the committee since this year's Carnival procession was cancelled "due to a lack of funding and volunteers". Organisers urged residents to come forward and help ensure the event can go ahead in 2024.

The big day itself usually takes place on the first Saturday in August.

While the procession was cancelled, this year's Carnival Court has attended carnivals all over Essex and events in Maldon, such as UFest. The girls have won a slew of prizes this year, including First Place for 'Court of Courts' at the inaugural Burnham-on-Crouch Carnival dance.

Maldon Carnival Court was pictured at Stanford and Corringham Carnival on August 26. (Photo: Nub News)

A total of 40 residents have signed up to volunteer with next year's carnival.

Former Carnival Chairman Robert Slight resigned earlier this year and has since been replaced by former Vice-Chairman Keith Howes. The Carnival Committee members and roles are now as follows:

• Chair: Keith Howes
• Vice-Chair: Christine Thomas
• Procession Chair: Christine Thomas
• Carnival Queen and Float Chair: Carol Banks
• Fundraising Officer: Christine Thomas
• Public Relations Officer: Laura Hockton
• Safeguarding and Child Protection Officer: Mark
• Secretary: Jenny Sjollema

There are 12 committee members in total, including the role of Treasurer, which is yet to be decided.

Among Carnival assets discussed at the meeting was a bank account containing £11,134, Gift Aid relief totalling £813.74, and a property in Mill Road, Maldon, valued at £105,000.

Related article: Burnham Carnival 2023: Event saved thanks to 'generous sponsorship' from local caravan park owners

A German beer festival has been organised by Tracy Barker‑Chaplin from independent property consultants Allsop, "in association with Maldon Carnival". It will take place at Maldon Town Hall on September 30 and all profits will go towards carnival funds. Tickets for German-Fest can be bought online.

A soul and Motown evening organised by committee member Christine Thomas will take place at Maldon Town Hall on October 28.

Maldon District Councillor Simon Burwood is President of the Heybridge and Blackwater Rotary Club, which has stepped up to provide marshals for next year's procession. Last year, two incidents threatened to spoil the carnival, prompting calls for tighter security.

The date of the next Carnival Committee meeting is to be announced soon.

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